95th Martyrdom Day of Chandra Shekhar Azad: The Revolutionary Who Chose Death Over Surrender

On 27 February 2025 India observed the 95th martyrdom day of Chandra Shekhar Azad, one of the most fearless revolutionaries of the Indian freedom struggle. Political leaders across parties paid tribute to his courage and sacrifice. Azad, who vowed never to be captured alive by the British, kept his promise till his last breath in 1931. His life remains a symbol of uncompromising patriotism and revolutionary spirit in India’s struggle for independence.

Who Was Chandra Shekhar Azad?

Chandra Shekhar Azad was born as Chandrashekhar Tiwari on 23 July 1906 in Bhabra (now in Madhya Pradesh). He became one of the most prominent revolutionary leaders during India’s independence movement.

He earned the name “Azad” (meaning Free) at the age of 15 when arrested during the Non-Cooperation Movement. When presented before a magistrate, he declared,

• His name was “Azad.”
• His father’s name was “Swatantra.”
• His address was “Jail.”

This bold act defined his identity for life.

Early Inspiration: From Jallianwala Bagh to Non-Cooperation Movement

• The Jallianwala Bagh massacre deeply influenced young Azad.
• He joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement (1920022) as a teenager.
• However, after Gandhi suspended the movement following the Chauri Chaura incident (1922), Azad became disillusioned with non-violent methods and shifted towards revolutionary nationalism.
• He later joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), which aimed to overthrow British rule through armed resistance.

Kakori Conspiracy and Rise as a Revolutionary Leader

• One of Azad’s major revolutionary actions was the Kakori Train Conspiracy (1925) where HRA members looted a train carrying British government funds to finance their activities.
• Most conspirators were arrested, but Azad managed to escape.
• He remained underground for years, frequently changing disguises and names.
• His agility earned him the nickname “Quick Silver.”
• After the execution and imprisonment of many HRA members, Azad reorganized the group as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).

Assassination of JP Saunders and Revolutionary Actions

• Azad played a key role in the assassination of British officer John Saunders in 1928, alongside Bhagat Singh and Shivaram Rajguru.
• This action was carried out to avenge the death of nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai, who had died after being lathi-charged during protests against the Simon Commission.
• Azad was also involved in an attempt to bomb the train of Viceroy Lord Irwin in 1929.
• His organizational skills and strategic planning kept the revolutionary network active despite severe British crackdowns.

Azad’s Final Stand at Alfred Park

• On 27 February 1931, Azad went to meet a fellow revolutionary at Alfred Park in Allahabad (now Prayagraj).
• He was betrayed and surrounded by British police.
• A fierce gun battle followed. Azad wounded two officers and ensured his companion’s escape.
• True to his vow of never being captured alive, he shot himself with his last bullet.
• The park was later renamed Azad Park in his honour.
• He was just 24 years old at the time of his martyrdom.

Legacy of Chandra Shekhar Azad

The legacy of Chandra Shekhar Azad continues to inspire generations.

His contributions include,

• Reorganizing revolutionary movements under HSRA.
• Participating in the Kakori Conspiracy.
• Avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death.
• Symbolizing fearless resistance against colonial rule.

Azad has been portrayed in several films, including Shaheed (1965), The Legend of Bhagat Singh (2002) and Rang De Basanti (2006), keeping his memory alive in popular culture.

Question

Q. Chandra Shekhar Azad was martyred in which year?

A. 1928
B. 1929
C. 1930
D. 1931