Freedom Fighter Name: Legacy and Contribution to India’s Freedom

Introduction

It was the Indian independence Heroes with movements pests and armored struggles that led the India’s independence. Fearless Indian revolutionaries and the relentless effects of three British rule that shaped the country’s destiny. This article explores the famous freedom fighters and unsung freedom fighters who remain lesser despite their sacrifices, reminding us of pride and responsibility to uphold their legacy. Let’s dive deeper into the details and their selfless contributions.

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Who Are Freedom Fighters?

Freedom Fighters are those individuals who selflessly and actively participate in core moments to achieve independence from the oppressors and suppressors. In India, they played a crucial role in sacrificing their lives for the nation’s freedom by taking up armed revolts, political activism, and social reforms. There are different types of freedom fighters such as Revolutionaries, Leaders, and Reformers.

Types of Freedom Fighters

1. Revolutionaries

• Revolutionaries are freedom fighters who believe in armed resistance against the oppressors. 
• They challenged British authority by organizing attacks, bombings, and assassinations. 
• Bhagat Singh, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Chandrashekhar Azad are notable revolutionaries who inspired and motivated the youth to take up arms against the British for independence.

2. Leaders

• Leaders are those who play a significant role in mobilizing the masses and negotiating with oppressors for freedom. 
• They indulge in legal methods such as peaceful protests and diplomacy. 
• Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhai Patel are notable leaders through various movements that united the country in a non-violent struggle.

3. Reformers

• Reformers are those individuals who fought relentlessly against social evils. 
• These include untouchability, general inequality, and child marriage. 
• They advocated two independence can only be achieved by promoting and fostering scientific temper with social progress. 
• B.R. Ambedkar, Swami Vivekananda, and Raja Ram Mohan Roy are the notable reformers who relentlessly worked towards uplifting society.

Famous Freedom Fighters of India and Their Contributions

Selfless sacrifices, sheer determination, and relentless dedication of numerous freedom fighters shaped India’s struggle for Independence. Some of them adopted non-violent methods while others took up armed rebellion, and remained reformed after liberation to make India what it is today. The following are the most influential freedom fighters and their remarkable contributions.

Mahatma Gandhi – The Leader of Non-Violence

Mahatma Gandhi is known for his philosophy of Ahimsa and Satyagraha. He became the father of the nation, guiding the principles of non-violence during India’s struggle against British colonial rule. His leadership and principles of fighting for freedom through peaceful means made him a global symbol of justice and peace.

• From 1917 to 1918, he led protests such as the “Champaran and Kheda movements” against unfair taxation. It was his non-violent protest against forced indigo farming by securing relief for farmers. 
• From 1920 to 1922, he led a “Non-cooperation Movement” that encouraged Indians to boycott British goods. This movement gradually awakened the national consciousness as a mass movement. 
• In 1930, he led a 240-mile march called “Dandi March or Salt March” against British monopoly. These protests ignited a nationwide movement and strengthened the independence movement. 
• In 1942, he directly called for the British to leave India through the “Quit India Movement” which led to mass arrests, ultimately paving the way for independence.

Subhas Chandra Bose – The Man Behind INA

Subhash Chandra Bose was a fierce nationalist and a former President of the Indian National Congress. He believed in armed struggle unlike Gandhi’s non-violent approach. He founded the Indian National Army to fight British rule to liberate India from British oppression. His pressurizing tactics made the British realize that they could no longer maintain their rule in India. His disappearance in 1945 remains a topic of debate, yet his legacy as a symbol of patriotism remains unquestionable.

• During 1942-1945, with Japanese support, he formed the “Indian National Army”, recruiting young Indian soldiers to fight against British rule and forces. 
• In 1943, he declared the formation of a provisional Indian government called the “Azad Hind Government” that sought international support for India’s freedom. 
• His powerful slogan “Give me blood and I will give you freedom”, motivated and encouraged thousands of Indians to join in the armed struggle for independence. 
• He played a crucial role in World War II, enlisting the Indian National Army to fight alongside Axis forces against the British.

Bhagat Singh – The Revolutionary Martyr

He was one of India’s most fearless revolutionaries who took up arms at a very young age against British rule. He shook the foundations of colonial oppression in believing and acting out violent actions which he meant necessary. His revolutionary ideas left an indelible mark and his sacrifice made him a legend in India’s tales of fighting for freedom.

• He was a member of a revolutionary group called the “Hindustan Socialist Republican Association” which was formed and fought consistently to acquire complete independence from British rule. 
• In 1928, in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, he killed a British officer, John Saunders. 
• In 1929, he and Bhattkeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal bombs into the Central Legislative Assembly and later surrendered to spread their message across the country and the world. 
• On March 23, 1931, amid nationwide protests, he was hanged with his slogan echoing “Inquilab Zindabad, means Long Live the Revolution”, which continues to inspire youth.

Rani Lakshmibai – The Warrior Queen 

Rani Lakshmi Bhai of Jhansi became a legendary figure for her bravery in playing a crucial role in the First War of Independence in 1857. She was one of the earliest symbols of resistance against British rule with her leadership and sacrifice. She symbolized resistance against oppression that inspired various generations to come as freedom fighters.

• She was the first person to refuse to surrender and annex her kingdom under the doctrine of lapse after her husband’s death. 
• In 1857, she led an armed revolt against British forces, which also included women warriors who fought fiercely. 
• In 1858, she fought with unmatched courage and fierceness at the Battle of Gwalior and was later martyred in battle.

Sardar Vallabhai Patel – The Iron Man of India

Patel was a key leader and played a crucial role in unifying the nation post-independence. His unwavering resolve and vision earned him the title, of “Iron Man of India”. He remained a staunch and strong supporter of unifying the nation after independence with his relentless and selfless contributions.

• He played a key role in the Kheda and Badalai movements, which led to peace and protests against British unfair taxation. 
• In 1942, he was one of the major leaders to lead protests in the Quit India movement against British rule. 
• From 1947 to 1949, he worked tirelessly to integrate 562 princely states into a single India, which would have been fragmented.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – The Architect of the Indian Constitution

He played a key role in shaping modern India by not only fighting for freedom but also championing social justice. He was the person to draft India’s constitution that fought against caste discrimination. His qualified contributions not only gained India, political Independence but also social equality and justice.

• Born into a Dalit family and having faced discrimination, he dedicated his entire life to ending caste-based oppression by fighting against untouchability. 
• From 1947 to 1950, he played a key role as chairman of the drafting committee. He along with his team drafted the Indian constitution that laid the foundation for democracy, fundamental rights, and equality in India. 
• He strongly advocated for a woman’s rights by including a Hindu code bill that included property and marriage rights. 
• He led a mass movement of Dalits by converting them to Buddhism to escape caste discrimination and oppression.

Unsung Heroes of India’s Freedom Struggle

Though there are accounts commemorating the struggles of prominent leaders like above, the independence of the vast country was contributed by a whole lot. These are the unsung heroes whose efforts were no less intense than the others. The following are a few leaders who deserve to be hailed for their selfless acts.

Matangini Hazra (1840 – 1942)

• She was a 72-year-old revolutionary from Bengal who led protests during the Quit India Movement. 
• She continued to chant Vande Matram until her last breath despite being shot multiple times by British forces brutally. 
• She remained a symbol of women’s participation with fierceness and bravery in India’s struggle for independence.

Alluri Sita Ramaraju (1897 – 1924)

• He was pleasingly called “Manyam Dora”, who led the Rampa Rebellion from 1922 to 1924 in the areas of Andhra Pradesh. 
• He was the first person to raise his voice against British laws that exploited tribal communities. 
• He fought British forces multiple times using guerrilla warfare tactics. 
• He was later captured and executed by the British, yet remained a hero among tribal communities.

Tirupur Kumaran (1904 – 1932)

• He played an instrumental role in India’s freedom struggle by mobilizing young revolutionaries. 
• He founded the “Desa Bandhu Youth Association”, encouraging, inspiring and motivating youth to join the struggle. 
• He refused to let go and died holding the Indian national flag during a protest. 
• He was titled “Kodi Kaththa Kumaran”, which means the flag protector, for his valor.

Peer Ali Khan (1812 – 1857)

• He was a leader in the times of the 1857 revolt, who secretly distributed anti-British pamphlets. 
• He played an instrumental role in mobilizing young rebels, forming groups, and protesting against the oppression. 
• He was later captured and executed, but his role remained significant in challenging British rule.

Aruna Asaf Ali (1909-1996)

• She was known for her boldness and bravery in hoisting the Indian National Congress flag at Gwalior Tang Maidan in Bombay. 
• She played an instrumental role and quit the India Movement by leading various women’s protests. 
• She was fondly known as the “Grand Old Lady of Indian Independence”, who later worked toward women’s rights and social welfare.

Impact of Freedom Fighters on Modern India

Their contributions and efforts not only liberated the country from oppressive rule but also laid the foundation for various principles such as democracy, constitutional rights, and national unity. Let’s understand how their dedication impacted the formation of modern India.

1. Establishment of Democracy 

• The influence of freedom fighters, their ideals, and principles provided a framework to form a representative government where every citizen’s voice and presence are heard and valued. 

Example: Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi emphasized democratic values and ensured India followed a sovereign, secular, and democratic republic. 

2. Social Justice and Fundamental Rights

• Various social reformers inspired movements and protests that propagated the abolition of untouchability, gender equality, development of scientific temper, and social progress. 

Example: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar played an instrumental role as chairman of the drafting committee in drafting the Indian constitution along with other reformers that ensured equality, freedom, and protection from discrimination. 

3. Integration and National Unity 

• The freedom struggle stories and the protests across India fostered a sense of nationalism that remains intact still today. 

Example: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who was fondly known as Iron Man of India played an instrumental role in uniting 562 princely states into one India and its integrity. 

4. Industrial and Economic Growth 

• Various movements led by freedom fighters and social reformers promoted Indigenous industries that led to boycotting the British goods which played a later emphasis on self-reliance. 

Example: Subhash Chandra Bose envisioned an industrial, strong, and self-reliant India while Mahatma Gandhi boycotted British imported clothes and spiked up the khadi use. 

5. Women’s Empowerment 

• Women with their fierce and bold participation inspired constitutional provisions that ensured women’s rights and freedom in education, politics, and employment. 

Example: Women leaders and reformers like Aruna Asaf Ali, Kasturbagh Gandhi, and Sarojini Naidu proved that women play an equal role in nation-building.

Conclusion

It is our duty and responsibility to honor these freedom fighters who have made immense sacrifices leaving behind a legacy of patriotism, resilience, and courage. It is crucial to acknowledge the struggles that laid the foundation for various principles such as democracy, justice, unity, and progress. The younger generation must learn from their bravery and dedication to stand against the oppression of the unjust with a spirit of freedom and responsibility, no matter how might they masquerade. Their struggles and stories continue to guide and ignite India towards a better and brighter future.

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