15 August – Brave Stories of India’s Freedom
15 August 1947 marked the rebirth of a nation—India’s first breath of freedom after nearly 200 years of British rule. More than just a date, this day symbolizes the relentless courage, unity, and sacrifice of countless heroes who laid down their lives so that future generations could live in a free and sovereign land. It is a reminder that freedom was not gifted but earned through blood, sweat, and unshakable resolve. Among the earliest sparks of this revolution was Ram Prasad Bismil, a poet and fiery nationalist born in 1897, who, along with others, founded the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) in 1924 and led the bold Kakori Train Action of 1925 to fund the freedom struggle. Even as he faced the gallows, his words—“Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil mein hai”—echoed with pride and fearlessness. His martyrdom inspired Chandrashekhar Azad, a revolutionary born in 1906, who vowed never to be captured alive. After taking charge of the HRA and later transforming it into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), Azad continued the fight underground, staying steps ahead of the British. When finally surrounded in Alfred Park, Allahabad, on 27 February 1931, he kept his word and used his last bullet on himself, declaring: “Dushman ki goliyon ka hum samna karenge, Azad hi rahe hain, Azad hi rahenge.” His courage became the guiding light for Bhagat Singh, the fearless youth whose heart burned with anguish after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Mentored by Sachindra Nath Sanyal, Bhagat Singh joined HSRA at just 17, later partnering with fellow revolutionaries Rajguru, Sukhdev, and Batukeshwar Dutt. In 1929, Bhagat Singh and Dutt threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly—not to harm, but to awaken a sleeping nation. Arrested and sentenced to death, Bhagat Singh walked to the gallows on 23 March 1931, smiling and chanting “Inquilab Zindabad.” His sacrifice jolted the conscience of a generation and deeply inspired Subhash Chandra Bose, a visionary who believed that India’s freedom must be seized through strength. Breaking away from the Congress’s passive approach, Bose founded and led the Indian National Army (INA), gathering Indian soldiers and international support to challenge British rule from outside. His passionate cry, “Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga,” ignited the spirit of armed struggle. Though the INA did not win militarily, it succeeded in shaking the foundations of colonial power and uniting Indians in pride and purpose. These revolutionaries—Bismil, Azad, Bhagat Singh, Bose, and countless unnamed others—did not fight for personal glory but for a dream: a free, strong, and united India. As we hoist the tricolour every 15 August, we are not just remembering a historic moment; we are honouring a legacy of bravery, sacrifice, and hope. The air we breathe and the land we walk upon carry their stories.
15 August – Brave Stories of India’s Freedom
- 1. 15 August – Brave Stories of India’s Freedom The Day of Pride: 15 August 1947, Independence Day a day when every Indian heart beats with pride. It is the day when, after centuries of foreign rule, our nation finally woke up to freedom. On 15 August 1947, India broke the chains of British rule and stepped into a new dawn. This day is not a date on the calendar – it is the story of our courage, unity, and sacrifice. Before this day, India had endured nearly 200 years of struggle under British control. Independence Day is not only a celebration, but also a poignant reminder. A reminder that our freedom came at a high cost, paid with the blood of countless heroes. Every year, when the tricolour rises high in the sky, it carries the dreams of those who fought for our nation. On this day, we remember them with gratitude and promise to protect the freedom they gave us.
- 2. Ram Prasad Bismil: The First Spark of Revolution Ram Prasad Bismil was not just a man; he was a fire. Born in 1897 in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he loved poetry. He also had a strong heart that couldn't stand injustice. The British ruled India with cruelty, and Bismil could not stand seeing his people suffer. He joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). (The Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was founded in 1924 by Sachindra Nath Sanyal, along with Ram Prasad Bismil and Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee.) He planned bold actions against the British. His most famous act was the Kakori Train Action of 1925. He and his friends stopped a train carrying government money. They took the money to fund the freedom struggle. For the British, he was a criminal. For India, he was a hero. Even when sentenced to death, his voice was fearless. His words still burn in every Indian heart: “Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil mein hai, Dekhna hai zor kitna baazu-e-qatil mein hai.” His courage lit the first spark – and that spark would ignite the next leader.
- 3. Chandrashekhar Azad: The Unbreakable Leader Chandrashekhar Azad was born on 23 July 1906 in Bhabra village, Madhya Pradesh. Bismil’s bravery deeply moved Azad. When Bismil was martyred, Azad took charge of the Hindustan Republican Association. He strengthened it by forming the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). This group aimed for complete independence. Azad was not only brave but also clever. He lived in disguise, always staying one step ahead of the British. His promise was clear – he would never be captured alive. On 27 February 1931, surrounded by police in Alfred Park, Allahabad, he fought alone until his last bullet. Then, keeping his promise, he used his final shot for himself – choosing death over surrender. His powerful words became the echo of resistance: “Dushman ki goliyon ka hum samna karenge, Azad hi rahe hain, Azad hi rahenge” Azad’s leadership and sacrifice became the guiding light for the young Bhagat Singh.
- 4. Bhagat Singh: The Voice of the Youth Bhagat Singh was a young revolutionary, inspired by the Jalianwala Bag tragedy and other injustices. In College Time, Sachindra Nath Sanyal suggested Bhagat Singh join the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association because He was young, fearless, and deeply committed to fighting British rule. Sanyal knew his courage, intelligence, and passion for change could help the organization in its fight for India’s independence. Then he left his home in Lahore and went to Kanpur In 1924, Bhagat Singh visited Kanpur. There, he met several leaders through his revolutionary contacts. They saw his passion and talent for the freedom struggle. Bhagat Singh was unknown to Azad, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, and other HRA members. Then, he was formally introduced to Chandrashekhar Azad. At first, Bhagat Singh, being only 17, was new to the underground revolution guided by Chandrashekhar Azad. He believed that freedom needed courage, not fear. He was never alone in his mission. His close friends, Shivaram Hari Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar, and Batukeshwar Dutt, stood with him. They all shared the same fearless spirit. Together, they carried out daring acts against British rule.
- 5. One of their most famous actions was in 1929, when Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw harmless bombs in the Central Parliament Assembly. The aim was not to kill, but to wake up the British rulers and send a powerful message to the people of India. “No more revolution claim”, “Inquilab Zindabad” When Bhagat Singh was hanged on 23 March 1931 at Lahore Central Jail, he remained fearless. After receiving his death sentence, he smiled and walked to the gallows, singing songs of revolution. His words became legendary: “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long live the revolution) His sacrifice shook the nation and inspired the next great leader – Subhash Chandra Bose. Subhash Chandra Bose: The Leader of INA Subhash Chandra Bose was a man of vision, courage, and action. Inspired by Bhagat Singh's sacrifices, he believed freedom should be claimed with strength, not requested with folded hands. Bose became the leader of the Indian National Army (INA), rallying Indians inside and outside the country to fight against British rule. He traveled across countries, seeking support for India’s independence. His speeches filled people with pride and a sense of determination. showing the world that India was ready to stand as a free nation. Bose and the INA couldn’t defeat the British in battle. Still, their efforts shook British rule. This inspired a surge of love for the country that helped India push for independence. His most famous call to action was: “Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi doonga” Conclusion:
- 6. India's freedom didn’t come in one day! It took years of struggle, many sacrifices, and a strong belief in the dream of independence. Generations of brave souls stood against injustice, faced bullets, and gave their lives so that we could live in a free country. Today, the air we breathe and the sky under which we stand carry the story of their courage. This Independence Day, let’s remember their sacrifice. We should also protect the values of unity, peace, and progress that they fought for. True respect for our freedom is shown in how we keep it alive for the generations to come. Jai Hind!