Considered as one of the most daring revolutionaries in India's freedom struggle, Chandrashekhar Azad was born on July 23, 1906, in Bhavra, a small village in present-day Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh. His full name was Chandrashekhar Tiwari, but he is best known by his adopted name Azad, which means "free" in Hindi. Early Life and Influences Chandrashekhar Azad was born in a Brahmin family and his early years were spent in a rural environment, where he witnessed the exploitative practices of the British government. His education began at the local village school, but he soon developed a thirst for knowledge beyond the classroom. At the age of 15, when the atmosphere of discontent against British rule was at its peak in India, Azad was inspired by the news of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, an event that deeply affected the Indian consciousness. This was the catalyst that led him towards nationalism and the independence movement. Azad was particularly influenced by the actions of revolutionary leaders such as Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose, who advocated armed struggle against British rule. In his early years, he joined the non-cooperation movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, but soon became disillusioned with the idea of non-violence. He believed that armed resistance was the only way to secure India's independence from colonial rule. His commitment to revolution led him to form alliances with like-minded individuals who were eager to take up arms against the British. Entry into revolutionary politics In 1920, at the age of 14, Azad joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), one of the leading revolutionary organisations in India at the time. The HRA was formed by Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and other leaders dedicated to making India independent through armed resistance. One of his first major actions as a revolutionary was his participation in the Kakori train robbery in 1925. This operation was carried out by a group of revolutionaries, including Azad, to seize government money from a train. It was intended to raise resources for the revolutionary movement, but it also aimed to show the British that revolutionaries could strike at the heart of colonial rule. The robbery was successful, but several members of the group were arrested. However, Azad managed to escape, marking the beginning of his reputation as a fearless and elusive freedom fighter. After the Kakori incident, Chandrashekhar Azad realized the need for a more structured organization that could effectively challenge the British. In 1928, he became a central figure in the formation of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), which was founded by Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. The HSRA was a radical group committed to overthrowing British rule through direct action, including bombings, assassinations and other forms of revolutionary activity. Azad's leadership and strategic thinking became crucial in the operations of the HSRA. His deep sense of nationalism and determination to remove the British from India were unmatched. The bombs were carried out by Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt in protest against repressive laws. Although the bombings were intended to make a statement, they were carefully planned to avoid casualties. This act of defiance further cemented Azad's position as a leading figure in the revolutionary movement. ### Azad's Ideals and Contributions Chandrashekhar Azad was not just a revolutionary in terms of his actions; He was also a visionary who believed in the principles of socialism and secularism. His ultimate goal was to establish a free and just society that would provide equal rights to all citizens regardless of caste, religion or creed. His belief in the need for armed struggle was rooted in his conviction that the British could only be driven out through force, as they had no respect for peaceful protest. Azad's revolutionary contribution was not only as a warrior but also as a guide for young revolutionaries. He inspired figures like Bhagat Singh, who later became a martyr for India's independence. Azad's leadership was crucial in ensuring that the struggle did not lose its direction and kept gaining momentum despite the gruesome war.
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