Press Release

On the birth anniversary of the immortal freedom fighter, Chandra Shekhar Azad, an online discussion ‘Swatantra Yagya ka Agnipunj’ was held. The programme was organised Department of Art and Culture, Government of Rajasthan and Jawahar Kala Kendra (JKK), Jaipur as part of the ongoing ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. It was held on the JKK’s Facebook page. The discussion focused on the early life, revolutionary activities, death and legacy of the legendary freedom fighter. The introductory remarks were delivered by Additional Director General (Admin.), JKK, Dr Anuradha Gogiya.

Well-known archaeologist, historian and writer, Dr Rima Hooja said there is a need to remember that men like Chandra Shekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru were the youth of the nation with a burning passion for India’s independence. They did not care whether they lived or died or what tragedies befell them. The revolutionary leaders of this period were focused on establishing a front against the British forces and arranging funds to service the nation. Chandra Shekhar Azad was an excellent marksman and would often practice and train others in shooting in the Orchha jungle. He was willing to take up arms if that is what was required for the nation’s freedom. During his life, he also lived near the Satar River and took up the alias of Pandit Harishankar Bramhachari and taught the children there. Although his physical form is gone, his immortal spirit lives on inspiring future generations. These men must be remembered not as Gods but as mortal men who suffered, had families and friends and sacrificed their all for India’s independence.

Talking about Chandra Shekhar Azad’s revolutionary life, historian, academician, poet and writer, Dr Abhimanyu Singh Arha said that in 1925, the Kakori train travelling from Shahjahanpur to Lucknow was robbed by chosen revolutionary leaders of that time in which Chandra Shekhar Azad was also included. The train, carrying funds from the British treasury was robbed to fund weapons for the revolution. Azad managed to flee the police. Similarly, he and Bhagat were dear friends and did a lot of work together. They reorganised Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and carried out its activities together. “These revolutionary leaders received much support from others, not because they were young, hot-headed men on a wanton killing spree but because they were well-educated, intellectual and suave men on a well-planned mission to achieve their determined goal”, he said.

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