New Delhi : India today pays homage to one of its most revered freedom fighters, Lala Lajpat Rai, on his 160th birth anniversary. Popularly known as “Punjab Kesari” or “The Lion of Punjab,” Lala Lajpat Rai was a towering figure in India’s struggle for independence and an icon of unwavering patriotism. He was born on January 28, 1865, in Dhudike village, located in the Faridkot district of the Punjab Province, then under British rule. His father, Munshi Radha Krishna, worked as a government school teacher, and his mother, Gulab Devi, was a deeply religious woman who profoundly influenced his character.
Lala Lajpat Rai was not only a freedom fighter but also an inspiring leader who championed the Swadeshi Movement, urging Indians to boycott British goods and promote indigenous industries. Along with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, he formed the famous Lal-Bal-Pal trio, which became synonymous with the assertive and militant strand of the Indian freedom struggle.
Rai’s passionate speeches, writings, and activism ignited the spirit of self-reliance and nationalism among millions of Indians.
In addition to his political contributions, Rai was a visionary social reformer who believed in education as a means to empower the masses. He established several educational institutions, including the DAV College in Lahore, to spread the ideals of self-improvement and cultural pride. His writings, such as “The Story of My Deportation” and “Unhappy India,” provided sharp critiques of British policies and rallied support for India’s independence.
Lala Lajpat Rai’s life and legacy are also marked by his supreme sacrifice. In 1928, he led a peaceful protest against the Simon Commission, an all-British committee formed to discuss constitutional reforms in India but excluded any Indian representation. The protest march in Lahore turned violent when police resorted to a brutal baton charge. Rai sustained severe injuries to his head during the assault and succumbed to the trauma on November 17, 1928. His martyrdom became a rallying cry for the freedom movement, inspiring leaders like Bhagat Singh to intensify their fight against colonial oppression.
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