Nation Remembers Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Chandra Shekhar Azad; PM Modi, Amit Shah Pay Tributes On Birth Anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid solemn tributes to Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries. He recalled their lasting impact on India’s independence movement and their enduring legacy of courage and sacrifice.

Posting on the social media platform, Prime Minister Modi remembered Tilak as ‘a pioneering leader’ who sparked national consciousness with his unwavering resolve.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Remembering Lokmanya Tilak on his birth anniversary. He was a pioneering leader who played a vital role in kindling the spirit of India’s freedom movement with unwavering conviction. He was also an outstanding thinker who believed in the power of knowledge and serving others.”

In a separate message honouring Azad, the Prime Minister posted, “Tributes to Chandra Shekhar Azad on his birth anniversary. He epitomised unparalleled valour and grit. His role in India’s quest for freedom is deeply valued and motivates our youth to stand up for what is just, with courage and conviction.”

Amit Shah Pays Homage

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also took to social media to express reverence for both freedom fighters, recognising their pivotal contributions to India’s liberation and nation-building efforts.

“Salutations to the epoch-making leader Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak ji,” Shah wrote, lauding Tilak for steering the freedom movement with the rallying cry of Swaraj.

He highlighted Tilak’s efforts to embed cultural identity into the independence struggle through initiatives like Ganeshotsav and his philosophical work ‘Gita Rahasya’.

Shah also paid tribute to Azad, praising his undying commitment to India’s freedom.

Taking to X, Shah posted, “Chandra Shekhar Azad ji ignited a revolution with a spirit of dedication to the freedom of the motherland, which inspired the youth with patriotism, sacrifice, and devotion, shaking the foundations of British rule.”

“Chandra Shekhar Azad ji fought until his last breath, considering the freedom of the motherland as his resolve, and set an ideal example of national service through the sacrifice of his life. Shackles could never bind him; he remained free until his last breath,” the post added.

The Home Minister further added, “On the birth anniversary of the immortal symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and resolve, the great freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad ji, we pay our respectful homage to him.”

Legacy of Two Revolutionary Icons

Born on 23 July 1856, Bal Gangadhar Tilak was affectionately known as ‘Lokmanya’ and widely respected as part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio.

The British labelled him ‘The Father of the Indian Unrest’ for his unyielding pursuit of Swaraj and outspoken opposition to colonial rule.

Chandra Shekhar Azad, born exactly fifty years later on 23 July 1906, was a revolutionary figure who reorganised the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) after the death of Ram Prasad Bismil.

He renamed it the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), injecting a new ideological force into the armed freedom struggle.

Also Read: Torrential Rains Bring Delhi-NCR To A Standstill; Commuters Grapple With Gridlock And Waterlogging