Chandrashekhar Tiwari, known as Azad, was born on July 23, 1906, in Bhavra, a small village in what is now Madhya Pradesh. Growing up in a family facing poverty, he learned early on that life’s challenges were harsh. He developed skills through play, particularly in archery, during interactions with local Bhil tribal boys. His first display of defiance came while working in a government office, where he declined to bow before British officials, rejecting the submission expected from Indian workers during colonial rule.

Involvement in the Non-Cooperation Movement

At the age of 15, Azad joined Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement in 1921. During a protest, he was arrested and sentenced to receive fifteen lashes. Undeterred, he chanted pro-Gandhi slogans with each strike. This experience marked a pivotal moment, solidifying his identity as Chandrashekhar Azad, meaning ‘Free.’ The political landscape soon shifted for Azad, prompting him to seek more radical approaches in his struggle against colonial rule.

The Move Towards Revolutionary Action

The withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement disillusioned Azad, and he gravitated towards a network of revolutionaries led by figures like Ram Prasad Bismil and Sachindranath Sanyal. Although he battled difficulties in reading, he compensated with unwavering discipline. His comrades read influential texts on revolutions and historical figures to him, broadening his understanding of revolutionary tactics.

Crucial Engagements and the Kakori Train Robbery

In 1925, Azad participated in the notable Kakori train robbery, which aimed to fund revolutionary activities. Although many members were apprehended, Azad managed to evade capture. Living undercover in Jhansi, he assumed various identities, often described as ‘Quicksilver’ for his ability to slip away from authorities. As senior members were arrested or killed, Azad found himself taking on greater responsibilities within the movement.

Leadership and Ideological Evolution

In September 1928, Azad was appointed as commander-in-chief during the reformation of the Hindustan Republican Association into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). Under his guidance, the HSRA executed significant actions, including the assassination of British officer JP Saunders and the Central Assembly bombing, both of which galvanized Indian youth but led to an increased crackdown on dissent. Azad, committed to the cause, continued to operate underground, adapting his strategies in response to the changing political climate.

The Final Standoff: A Symbol of Resistance

By 1931, with the revolutionary network severely weakened and many comrades imprisoned or dead, Azad remained active despite the odds. On February 27, he arrived at Alfred Park in Allahabad for a meeting. Surrounded by police, gunfire erupted. He held off his pursuers valiantly. Faced with imminent capture and having only one bullet left in his pistol, Azad expressed remorse for his inability to liberate India before taking his own life, thus fulfilling his promise never to be captured alive. He was just 24 years old.

Remembering Azad’s Enduring Legacy

Today, Chandrashekhar Azad is commended not only for his dramatic choice in the face of capture but for his entire life dedicated to the fight against colonial oppression. He encapsulated the spirit of rebellion, from his humble beginnings as a dockworker to his role as a revolutionary leader. Azad’s enduring legacy lies in his belief that true freedom demands sacrifice and his commitment to the cause of independence.

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