Chandrashekhar Azad Embraced Martyrdom But Never Surrendered to the British, This Is Pinnacle of Patriotism : CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said we are proud that a great hero like the immortal martyr Chandrashekhar Azad was born on the land of Madhya Pradesh. He said that Chandrashekhar Azad, who dedicated his entire consciousness, life, and existence at the feet of Mother India, is an eternal source of inspiration. Paying tribute to Azad, Chief Minister said his life is a lasting chapter of energy, resolve and service devoted to freedom of the motherland.

Dr. Yadav said that when Chandrashekhar Azad realized there was no escape from arrest, he sacrificed his life with his own hands rather than surrendering to the British. This, he said, is the ultimate expression of patriotism.

The Chief Minister was virtually addressing the “Smaran Azad” tribute programme held on the occasion of Azad’s birth anniversary in Chandrashekhar Azad Nagar (formerly Bhabhra) in Alirajpur district from the Samatva Bhavan at CM’s residence. Minister of State for Forest and Environment Shri Dilip Ahirwar, Principal Secretary of Culture and Tourism Shri Shivshekhar Shukla and other officials were present during the video conference.

Dr. Yadav described Chandrashekhar Azad as a man of extraordinary personality, born in a humble family. He said Azad was a storm that shook the very foundations of British Empire in India. He was not just a name but a resounding voice of revolution, whose echo is still heard in the hearts of patriots today. Even in childhood, Azad showed a unique spark and independent thinking. When he was arrested during the Non-Cooperation Movement in Kashi, and the judge asked his name, he replied “Azad”, his father’s name — “Freedom”, and his address — “Jail”.

He was not just a revolutionary but a symbol of ideology and inner strength who declared, “I was born free, I live free, and I shall die free.”

The Chief Minister said Azad was not just a revolutionary but a commander of the entire freedom movement. He led Hindustan Socialist Republican Association and mentored young revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh. Azad was the mastermind behind the assassination of British officer Saunders in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, and he played a central role in the Kakori Train Robbery (1925) to fund the movement, proving that a just cause turns even revolution into a sacred duty.

Dr. Yadav recalled that when Azad was surrounded by enemies in Alfred Park (now Azad Park) in Allahabad on February 27, 1931, he chose to shoot himself with his last bullet rather than be captured, living up to his name “Azad” (Free) till his last breath. His martyrdom reminds us that freedom was not achieved in a day but is the result of countless sacrifices. The Chief Minister urged youth of India to take inspiration from Azad’s courage, sacrifice and patriotism, saying Azad was a glowing symbol of national consciousness. He emphasized that young people should learn from his life how a single person can change the course of history and what it truly means to live and die for the nation.

He concluded by saying that the freedom we breathe today is the result of sacrifices by warriors like Chandrashekhar Azad and that it is our supreme duty to unite and build India of his dreams.

It is noteworthy that Chandrashekhar Azad was born on July 23, 1906 in the village of Bhabhra (now known as Chandrashekhar Azad Nagar) in Alirajpur district, Madhya Pradesh.

The main event held in Chandrashekhar Azad Nagar was attended by Minister for Scheduled Caste Welfare Shri Nagar Singh Chauhan, Minister of State for Culture, Tourism, Religious Trusts and Endowments (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, former MLA and current Chairperson of Madhya Pradesh Minor Forest Produce Federation Shri Madho Singh Dabar, Chairperson of Bhabhra Municipal Council Smt. Nirmala Dabar, Council President Shri Narayan Arora, Bhabhra Janpad Panchayat President Shri Jagdish Ganawa, and Vice President Shri Parmar, among other public representatives and a large number of local residents.