With patriotic songs blaring on loudspeakers, tricolor sandwiches, high-flowing flags and kites, and an Independence Day parade our country celebrates Independence Day every year. Our long journey has been remarkable. How I wish to flutter our tricolor high and shout out the word “freedom” from every nook and corner of my street. However, as our beloved country ushers into another year of independence, let us have a look at the freedom fighters of India who played a significant role in the country’s independence struggle.
| Freedom Fighter Name | Contributions and Roles |
|---|---|
| Bhagat Singh | A revolutionary socialist who advocated for the rights of laborers and farmers. He was executed by the British. |
| Dr.Rajendra Prasad | First President of the Republic of India |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri | White Revolution Green Revolution Second Prime Minister of India |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Bhai Patel | Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement Unification of India, Played a key role in the integration of India after independence |
| Bal Gangadhar Tilak | The Maker of Modern India, Swadeshi Movement |
| Subhas Chandra Bose | Founded the Indian National Army and fought against the British |
| Mahatma Gandhi | Father of the Nation, Civil Rights Activists in South Africa, Satyagraha, Civil Disobedience Movement Quit India Movement |
| Jawaharlal Nehru | First Prime Minister of India |
| Gopal Krishna Gokhale | Political guru of Mahatma Gandhi |
| Chandra Shekhar Azad | Reorganized the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) under the new name of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association(HSRA) |
| Dadabhai Naoroji | Unofficial Ambassador of India |
| Tantia Tope | Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Bipin Chandra Pal | Father of Revolutionary Thoughts Swadeshi Movement |
| Lala Lajpat Rai | A prominent leader of the Indian independence movement, known as “Punjab Kesari” Against Simon Commission |
| Ashfaqullah Khan | Member of Hindustan Republican Association |
| Nana Sahib | Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Sukhdev | Chief of Punjab unit of HSRA(Hindustan Socialist Republican Association) |
| Kunwar Singh | Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Mangal Pandey | Sepoy mutiny of the revolt of 1857 |
| Vinayak Damodar Savarkar | Leading figures of Hindu Mahasabha and formulators of Hindu Nationalist Philosophy |
| Rani Lakshmi Bai | A warrior queen who fought against the British in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Begum Hazrat Mahal | First female freedom fighter |
| Kasturba Gandhi | Quit India movement |
| Kamla Nehru | Non-cooperation Movement, Protested against foresign liquors |
| Vijay Laxmi Pandit | First Indian women ambassador at UN. |
| Sarojini Naidu | A poet and political activist who played a key role in the Indian independence movement |
| Aruna Asaf Ali | Inquilab (Monthly journal) |
| Madam Bhikaji Cama | First Indian to hoist the Indian Non-cooperation flag on foreign soil, Mother India’s first cultural representative of USA’ |
| Kamla Chattopadhyay | The first woman to be elected to a legislative seat in India(madras province) |
| Tatya Tope | A general in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 led several important battles against the British. |
| Annie Besant | First woman president of INC, Home rule league. |
| Kittur Chennamma | First female ruler to rebel against the British |
| Savitribai Phule | First lady teacher in India |
| Usha Mehta | Organized Congress Radio popularly the Secret Congress Radio |
| Lakshmi Sahgal | India Democratic Women Association(IDWA)(1981 ) |
| Dr. B.R Ambedkar | He is known as the father of the Constitution
He was the First Law Minister of India |
| Rani Gaidinliu | She was Naga spiritual and political leader |
| Prafulla Chaki | Involved in the Muzaffarpur killing |
| Chittaranjan Das | Leader in the Non-cooperation Movement from Bengal and Founder of the Swaraj party |
| Bhavabhushan Mitra | Involved in Ghadar Mutiny |
| Alluri Sitarama Raju | Rampa Rebellion 1922-1924 |
| Kanneganti Hanumanthu | Palnadu Rebellion |
| Parbati Giri | She is also known as Mother Teresa of Western Orissa. |
| Tirupur Kumaran | He was the founder of the Desa Bandhu Youth Association |
| Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi | He was the founder of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan |
| Senapati Bapat | He was the leader of the Mulshi Satyagraha |
| Basawon Singh | Lahore conspiracy case |
| Kartar Singh Sarabha | Lahore conspiracy |
| Bagha Jatin | The Howrah-Shibpur Conspiracy case |
| Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee | Kakori conspiracy |
| Roshan Singh | Kakori conspiracy |
| Pingali Venkayya | He was the designer of the flag on which our National Flag is based |
| Veerapandiya Kattabomman | He was an 18th-century Tamil chieftain.
He refused to accept the sovereignty of the British East India Company and raised war against them. He was captured by the British and was hanged to death on 16 October 1799 |
| Sachindra Bakshi | Kakori conspiracy |
| Rajendra Lahiri | Kakori conspiracy |
| Manmath Nath Gupta | Kakori conspiracy |
| Bahadur Shah Zafar | Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Chetram Jatav | Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
| Bakht Khan | Indian Rebellion of 1857 |
We got independence because of some truly valiant leaders who were ready to sacrifice their lives for the nation. Salute to them! We are what we are today because of some great politicians that have been a part of this nation. Remember Subhash Chandra Bose? “Tum mujhe khoon do, mai tumhe azadi doonga.” However, I can hardly name one truly exceptional leader in modern times. The Indian Parliament is not a place to sleep. Go, find a bed for yourself! Nor are the Indian streets booked for “dharnas”. Our country sincerely needs dedicated, honest, and passionate politicians as we had before at the time of India’s Freedom Struggle.
Top 10 Freedom Fighters of India
India’s long and challenging struggle for independence from British colonial rule was not an easy one. It was achieved through the selfless sacrifices of countless individuals who fought tirelessly for their motherland’s freedom. Here is a list of the top 10 freedom fighters of India who played a significant role in the country’s independence struggle.
1. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, is one of India’s most revered freedom fighters. He is known for his nonviolent approach to protest and is considered the ‘Father of the Nation.’ Gandhi played a significant role in India’s independence movement and inspired millions of Indians to join the struggle for freedom.
2. Bhagat Singh (1907-1931)
Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary socialist who played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. He was an advocate of complete independence from British colonial rule and was one of the most influential figures in India’s independence movement. He was hanged by the British colonial government at the young age of 23.
3. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose (1897-1945)
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was a charismatic political leader who founded the Indian National Army (INA) to fight against British colonialism. He played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence and was known for his fierce nationalism and strong will.
4. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875-1950)
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was a prominent political leader who played a crucial role in India’s integration after independence. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and played a key role in the Indian National Congress. He was also known as the ‘Iron Man of India’ for his strong leadership and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom.
5. Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964)
Jawaharlal Nehru was a political leader who served as India’s first Prime Minister after independence. He was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. He was known for his secular and progressive outlook and his commitment to democracy and socialism.
6. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (1888-1958)
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was a scholar, journalist, and political leader who played a key role in India’s freedom struggle. He was the first Minister of Education in independent India and made significant contributions to the development of the country’s education system. He was also a strong advocate of Hindu-Muslim unity.
7. Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949)
Sarojini Naidu was a poet, politician, and women’s rights activist who played a key role in India’s struggle for independence. She was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and was known as the ‘Nightingale of India’ for her poetry.
8. Lala Lajpat Rai (1865-1928)
Lala Lajpat Rai was a political leader who played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. He was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and was known for his advocacy of Indian nationalism and self-reliance. He was also one of the leaders of the famous ‘Lahore Conspiracy Case’ against the British colonial government.
9. Rani Lakshmibai (1828-1858)
Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the ‘Rani of Jhansi,’ was a warrior queen who fought against British colonialism in India’s First War of Independence in 1857. She was one of the most prominent female freedom fighters in India and a symbol of bravery and courage. She is remembered for her fearless resistance against the British colonial government and her sacrifice for the cause of Indian independence.
10. Chandra Shekhar Azad (1906-1931)
Chandra Shekhar Azad was a revolutionary who played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. He was a member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association and was known for his bravery and courage. He died in a shootout with the British colonial police and is remembered as a martyr for the cause of Indian independence.
List of Women Freedom Fighters in India
India’s freedom struggle was not only fought by men, but women also played a crucial role in the country’s fight for independence. Here are some of the most prominent women freedom fighters in India:
1. Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949)
Sarojini Naidu was a poet and political activist who played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence. She was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress and was known as the ‘Nightingale of India’ for her poetry.
2. Bhikaji Cama (1861-1936)
Bhikaji Cama was a political activist who is known for designing the first Indian flag. She was a member of the Indian National Congress and was a vocal advocate for India’s independence.
3. Annie Besant (1847-1933)
Annie Besant was a British activist who played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. She was a member of the Indian National Congress and worked tirelessly for India’s independence.
4. Kamala Nehru (1899-1936)
Kamala Nehru was the wife of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and was an active participant in India’s freedom struggle. She was a member of the Indian National Congress and worked for the welfare of women and children.
5. Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit (1900-1990)
Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit was the sister of Jawaharlal Nehru and was a prominent political leader in India’s freedom struggle. She was the first woman to be elected as the President of the United Nations General Assembly.
6. Kasturba Gandhi (1869-1944)
Kasturba Gandhi was the wife of Mahatma Gandhi and was a political activist in her own right. She played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle and was a vocal advocate for women’s rights.
7. Aruna Asaf Ali (1909-1996)
Aruna Asaf Ali was a political activist who played a significant role in India’s freedom struggle. She was known for her participation in the Quit India Movement and was a vocal advocate for women’s rights.
8. Rani Lakshmibai (1828-1858)
Rani Lakshmibai, also known as the ‘Rani of Jhansi,’ was a prominent female freedom fighter of India. She fought against the British colonial government in the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and is remembered for her bravery and courage.
9. Sucheta Kriplani (1908-1974)
Sucheta Kriplani was a political activist who played a crucial role in India’s freedom struggle. She was the first woman Chief Minister of an Indian state and worked for the welfare of women and children.
10. Begum Hazrat Mahal (1820-1879)
Begum Hazrat Mahal was a leader of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and played a crucial role in the fight against the British colonial government. She is remembered for her bravery and courage and is considered one of the most prominent women freedom fighters of India.
The contributions of women in India’s freedom struggle were immense. They played a crucial role in the fight against British colonial rule and inspired millions of Indians to join the struggle for independence. Their legacy lives on, and their contributions will always be remembered as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Indian people.
FAQ’s:
1. Who is considered the ‘Father of the Nation’ in India?
Mahatma Gandhi is considered the ‘Father of the Nation’ in India.
2. Who founded the Indian National Army?
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose founded the Indian National Army.
3. Who was known as the ‘Iron Man of India’?
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was known as the ‘Iron Man of India.’
4. Who was the first Prime Minister of independent India?
Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister of independent India.
5. Who was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress?
Sarojini Naidu was the first Indian woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress
