Freedom is Fascinating – Respect Freedom Fighters
15th august 1947; India becomes independent from British rule of almost two hundred years. Before British captured; Mughal was ruling. Hence, people of India have seen the Sun of Freedom after almost four and a half century. British people have come to trade in India and eventually were settled as rulers.
Freedom is fascinating and precious but it has not come easily; British had not served in a plate. They just tried to keep Indian slavery till it was possible; they applied all tactics to crush the freedom moment. They tried to convince, manipulate people with awards and rewards, punished by imposing penalties, made differentiation between people, killed, bitten, fired and jailed people; people of India, the freedom fighters.
People struggled for more than 9 decades to come out from slavery. Thousands had left and lost everything; even sacrificed life. We have the privilege to have been born, are able to breathe in free India; just because of those great freedom fighters; had not cared even for their family for just one goal that is Freedom of India. Freedom fighters, activists and revolutionaries were from different backgrounds, casts, religions, places and philosophies to fight one common enemy – the foreign imperialists.
We are aware of several freedom fighters and revolutionaries; whereas many have remained unsung and unseen heroes. We knew few names that heard frequently but some less famous or say hardly remembered names should also equally appreciated and honored with those prime freedom fighters who made immense contribution towards India’s struggle.
Freedom struggle was initiated by Mangal Pandey in 1857. Mangal Pandey is said to have played a key role in inspiring Indian soldiers to start the great rebellion of 1857. Working as a soldier for the British East India Company, Pandey opened fire at English officials, caught them unawares. His attack is regarded as the first step of the Indian rebellion.
Rani Lakshmi Bai one of the key members of India’s first war of independence; inspired thousands of women to join the freedom fight. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was one of the most prominent freedom fighters, who inspired with the slogan “Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it”. Begum Hazrat Mahal rebelled against the British during the revolt of 1857. Ashfaqulla Khan the young revolutionaries, sacrificed his life for the motherland.
Rani Gaidinliu was a leader revolted against the British rule; joined movement at the age of 13, fought for the evacuation of British rulers from Manipur and the neighbouring areas. Just at 16 years was sentenced to life imprisonment. Bipin Chandra Pal, Surya Sen, Dadabhai Naoroji, Khudiram Bose, Lakshmi Sahgal, Lala Lajpat Rai, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Ram Manohar Lohia, Ram Prasad Bismil and others are in list.
On this Independence Day, we should pay homage to all known/unknown freedom fighters; because of them, we are enjoying and reaping fruits of Independence. I salute and greet them from bottom of heart for giving us a splendid and fabulous free breath.