Chandrashekhar Azad played a significant role in the country's struggle for independence.
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| Chandra Shekhar Azad |
Highlights of his life:
- He was only 15 when he was first arrested for joining Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement.
- After suspension of the movement, he joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) that was formed by Ram Prasad Bismil.
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He took part in the 1925 Kakori Train robbery and assassination of John
Saunders in 1928, who was the assistant superintendent of police.
- Azad joined the HRA after Mahatma Gandhi suspended the Non-cooperation Movement.
- Within no time, Azad rose through the ranks and became one of the main strategists of the association.
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He also reorganised the group to fight against British imperialism. The
group was renamed as Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
Last Moments
- The popular Alfred Park in Allahabad was where Azad spent his last moments.
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He killed himself with his revolver during an encounter with the police
on 27 February 1931, to fulfil his vow that he would not be arrested
alive by the British government.
- The park was later renamed as Chandrasekhar Azad Park.
How did he get this name?
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During his stay in jail, he opined that his name was 'Azad’ (Freedom),
his residence was 'jail' and father’s name was 'Swatantrata’
(Independence).
- It is said that this was how he got the name 'Azad'.
