Today we celebrate India’s Independence Day with joy and happiness every year. But, do you know the struggle for independence was a long and challenging journey. Many freedom fighters of India sacrificed their lives to make India an independent nation.
Every freedom fighter left his legacy of courage and devotion for the country. They are truly an inspiration to many people for their non-violent protest and revolutionary acts. Let us take a moment to appreciate the efforts of the Indian freedom fighters who gave India its independence.
Who are Called Freedom Fighters?
Freedom fighters are not only someone who fights with weapons but also someone who fights with their thoughts and actions. They are the people who stood against the Britishers to free India from their oppressing rule.
Many sacrificed their lives, families and interests towards their efforts to bring India closer to become a free nation. Many schools focus to teach their students about the contributions of the freedom fighters early along with their CBSE Syllabus for 10th Class.
List of 10 Freedom Fighters of India
Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also popularly called as Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2nd, 1869. He was given the title of the ‘Father of the Nation’ for his impressive contribution in India’s freedom struggle. Besides guiding the youth of India, he was a part of many human rights non-violence movements.
Under his supervision, there were many historical freedom movements like the Satyagraha, the Quit India Movement and the Dandi March. Peace for India is one of his most favourite ideas. He was amongst the most prominent freedom fighters of India and still continues to inspire many social justice movements.
Jawaharlal Nehru
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, born on November 14, 1889, was a visionary leader in India’s freedom struggle. He was also India’s first Prime Minister and also a key figure in the Indian National Congress. He made his major contributions in Salt March and the Quit India Movements.
He was really fond of children and thus, his birthday is widely observed as Children’s Day in India. Jawaharlal Nehru was a well-known thinker who promoted self-rule and national integration. His policies for education and industrialisation reflected his advocacy for democratic India which also shaped modern India.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel is still renowned for his bravery and leadership. A lawyer by profession, he left his legal profession to fight for India’s independence and made some great contributions. He was born on October 31, 1875 and earned titles like “Iron Man of India” and “Bismarck of India” for his courage.
He also became India’s Deputy Prime Minister to bring and integrate the princely states into the Union of India. He was also awarded with Bharat Ratna Award for his dedicated hard work in India’s independence journey. He also headed the Bardoli Satyagraha against excessive taxation.
Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh was one of the most revolutionary heroes of India’s freedom struggles. Born into a Sikh family, he remains a symbol of courage, fearlessness and dedication for the younger generations. He had his major contributions in a plan to kill James Scott, a British police superintendent, in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
His slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long live the revolution) became a rallying cry for freedom fighters across India. He was hanged to death at a young age of 23 but his martyrdom sparked a wave of revolution throughout the country.
Lal Bahadur Shastri
The second Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri is next in the 10 Indian freedom fighters name list. Born on October 2, 1904, he was known as ‘Shastri’ after he completed his education at Kashi Vidyapeeth.
His slogan ‘Jai Jawan Jai Kisan’ symbolises the importance of farmers and military power to build a nation. He was a quiet freedom fighter, who actively participated in Mahatma Gandhi’s movements in India’s independence. He has his active involvement in Satyagraha Movement, and Quit India Movement, enduring imprisonment for his convictions.
Chandra Shekhar Azad
He was one of the most dynamic freedom fighters of India and an active member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). Many top Schools in Pune India educate their students about his uncompromising stand against British rule. He actively participated in several anti-British activities, one of the most notably was the Kakori Train Robbery.
Azad declared that he would never be caught alive by the British officers. Staying true to his words, he shot himself in an encounter with the police. He is still famous as one of the most fearless freedom fighters of India.
Subhas Chandra Bose
Born in the state of Orissa, Subhas Chandra Bose is fondly called as ‘Netaji.’ He formed the Azad Hind Government and Azad Hind Army and also took part in the movements for civil disobedience. He was one of the most dynamic and charismatic leaders of India’s independence movement.
His call “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom” encouraged millions of Indians. Unlike many leaders who believed in non-violent resistance, Bose believed that armed struggle was the only way to oust the British from India.
Rani Laxmi Bai
India’s freedom struggles were not limited to just male freedom fighters but Rani Laxmi Bai was one of the top women liberation warriors. She is popularly known as ‘Jhansi ki Rani’ and was born in 1828. Despite being faced with overwhelming odds, she continued to fight fiercely to protect her kingdom and her people.
She was one of the key leaders during the Revolt of 1857 where she courageously fought as a male. Renowned for her exceptional and remarkable bravery and strategic intelligence, she led her forces with great courage.
Mangal Pandey
He was amongst the first freedom fighters in the country. He was a soldier in the British Army, but he rebelled when he learned that the cartridges the soldiers were given were lubricated with pig fat. Mangal Pandey also inspired many Indians with his popular phrase “Maro Firangi Ko.”
Being one of the most significant names in the top 10 freedom fighters of India, he is remembered as a martyr to the later independence movement. His bravery and sacrifice inspired the first large-scale rebellion against British colonial rule.
Lala Lajpat Rai
Lala Lajpat Rai, also popular as “Punjab Kesari”, was an Indian author and one of India’s bravest national heroes. He was an outspoken critic of British rule and played a leading role in the ‘Non-Cooperation Movement’ and ‘Simon Commission Protest.’ His unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom inspired countless others to take up the fight.
Lajpat Rai’s legacy is not just limited to India’s freedom struggle but extended in the areas of education and the rights of women. He died in 1928 after a harsh British Lathi charge during a Simon Commission protest.
Conclusion
India’s independence was not won overnight, and the road was filled with the unforgettable contributions of these heroes. They, and many others, were the backbone of India’s freedom struggles. Each of these figures contributed to the collective effort that led to India’s freedom.
Their courage and sacrifice continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the value of freedom. GIIS Pune ensures that our young learners are aware of the contributions of these and the other freedom fighters of India. Engage, explore and honour the legacy lives of these freedom fighters to inspire the future generations. Know more about our School Admissions and enrol today!
