Why in News?

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid tribute to Chandra Shekhar Azad on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle. Shri Modi said, “His unwavering dedication to the nation continues to inspire our youth to stand firmly for justice with courage and conviction.”

About Chandra Shekhar Azad

• Birth: Born as Chandra Shekhar Tiwari on July 23, 1906, in Bhavra village, Madhya Pradesh.

Chandra Shekhar Azad 

Early Involvement in Freedom Struggle 

• Joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement at the age of 15. 
• Disillusioned by Gandhi’s decision to suspend the movement after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922. 

Revolutionary Journey 

• Became a member of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), which aimed to end British rule through armed revolution. 
• In 1928, helped transform HRA into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) to promote a socialist republic in India. 

Key Associations 

• Worked closely with Bhagat Singh and other revolutionaries to fight colonial oppression. 
• Became a symbol of bravery and resistance for Indian youth. 

Major Revolutionary Activities 

• Played vital roles in 
  • Kakori Train Robbery (1926) 
  • Attempt to blow up the Viceroy’s train (1926) 
  • Killing of Saunders (1928) to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death 

Death 

• In January 1931, during an encounter with British police at Alfred Park, Allahabad, he fought courageously. 
• Surrounded and unwilling to be captured alive, he shot himself, staying true to his vow of never being caught.