Chandra Shekhar Azad: The man of Steel

           Today marks the death anniversary of the revolutionary freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad. He was the pioneer of the Revolutionary struggle during his time, and was an inspiration to the likes of Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev, and Raj Guru. Azad is to be remembered most now than ever. At a time when students of our varsities, Political Leaders, and main stream media are talking about Azadi or “Free Speech in real sense, Azad too was a man who propagated “Freedom” as such. In the contrast to what some today claim for “Bharat Ki Barbadi” in the name of “Azadi”, Chandra Shekhar called for Unification of India and Indians in the very same name of “Azadi”.

            Azad garrisoned strong young men to plunder the wealth of the British treasuries. He may be referred to as the “Robin Hood” of India. Unlike Robin Hood who fought for the poor against his own men, Azad fought against the foreign oppression on his fellow Indians. Azad distributed all the plundered wealth among the poor and needy. This he did as felt that the resources of India must belong to India and not foreigners.

            Azad exercised daily and his favourite sweet was the Jalebi or the Jilebi. It is said that he ate Jalebi every day after having exercised for that day. He was an expert marksmen as well. Truly a spirited and committed man. His original name was just Chandra Shekhar. The word Azad become synonymous with his name.
His famous and the most thundering words were,

 “Mein Azad Hu aur Azad Hi Rahonga” 

[I am and shall always be (a) free (man)]. 

            Azad died at Alfred Park in Allahabad on 27 February 1931. The police surround him in the park citing information from an informer. After a long battle with the police surrounding him, Azad shot himself. Azad never wanted to be caught alive. He wanted to be a “Free Man” i.e. “Azad forever. What courage, what bravery, and what steadfastness. Truly a man to be remembered today.

            May his persona guide us in the right direction. Azad will be the happiest soul above to see a “Azad Hindustan” with “Azadi” in the hands of “Hindustanis”. 

#JaiHind