JAMMU, Jul 22: Senior BJP leader and former Sarpanch Adv Devraj Sharma today paid rich floral tributes to legendary freedom fighter Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad on his birth anniversary, describing him as the embodiment of courage, patriotism, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to India’s freedom. He said the immortal revolutionary’s life continues to illuminate the path for generations and remains more relevant than ever in the present era, particularly for the country’s youth.
Paying homage to the great son of Bharat Mata, Adv Sharma said Chandrashekhar Azad transformed himself from an ordinary young boy into one of the most fearless revolutionaries of India’s freedom struggle. His determination to challenge British rule and his resolve never to surrender before the oppressors made him an enduring symbol of resistance and national pride.
Recalling Azad’s remarkable journey, Adv Sharma said that at the tender age of 15, when produced before a British court for participating in the Non-Cooperation Movement, he boldly declared his name as “Azad”, his father’s name as “Swatantrata” (Freedom), and his address as “Jail”. That fearless declaration reflected his indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve to dedicate his life to the service of the nation.
Adv Sharma said Chandrashekhar Azad played a pivotal role in strengthening the revolutionary movement through the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and worked shoulder to shoulder with legendary revolutionaries including Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqullah Khan. His leadership, discipline and strategic vision made him one of the most respected revolutionaries of the freedom struggle.
Remembering Azad’s supreme sacrifice at Alfred Park in Allahabad on February 27, 1931, Adv Sharma said the revolutionary fulfilled his lifelong pledge by choosing martyrdom over surrender. “His immortal words, ‘Dushman ki goliyon ka hum saamna karenge, Azad hi rahe hain, Azad hi rahenge,’ continue to inspire every patriotic Indian and remind us that the spirit of freedom can never be defeated,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of Chandrashekhar Azad’s ideals in contemporary India, Adv Sharma said the challenges before the nation today are different from those during the freedom struggle, but the values needed to overcome them remain the same. “The youth of today are not required to fight colonial rule, but they must fight corruption, social evils, drug abuse, terrorism, divisive forces, misinformation, moral decline and every challenge that weakens the nation,” he asserted.
He said Azad’s life teaches young people that success is achieved through discipline, dedication, courage, honesty and an unwavering commitment to national interest. “The future of India rests in the hands of its youth. If they embrace the ideals of Chandrashekhar Azad, they will become responsible citizens capable of leading the nation towards greater progress, innovation and global leadership,” Adv Sharma remarked.
Expressing concern over the growing influence of social media addiction, substance abuse and declining moral values among a section of the younger generation, Adv Sharma urged students and youth to draw inspiration from the lives of great freedom fighters rather than short-lived distractions. He emphasized that true patriotism lies not merely in words but in serving society, respecting the Constitution, preserving national unity and contributing positively to nation-building.
Adv Sharma further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 can be successfully realised only when the youth inherit the spirit of sacrifice, discipline and nationalism exemplified by Chandrashekhar Azad and countless other freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the country’s independence.
Calling upon educational institutions, social organisations and youth groups to regularly organise programmes highlighting the lives of India’s great revolutionaries, Adv Sharma said such initiatives would strengthen national consciousness and instil values of patriotism, integrity and social responsibility among the younger generation.
Concluding his tribute, Adv Devraj Sharma urged every citizen to honour Chandrashekhar Azad’s legacy by working with honesty, unity and selfless dedication for the progress, security and prosperity of the nation. “The greatest tribute we can offer to Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad is to become responsible citizens and ensure that the freedom for which he made the supreme sacrifice remains strong, secure and meaningful for every Indian,” he added.