The word freedom inspired numerous humans to search for a sense of liberty experienced by individuals and society as a whole. In India’s recently documented known history, there have been many invasions by foreign powers who rarely missed an opportunity to enslave this land and its people. Among the last of such powers was the British empire, under which the general masses were dominated over- in terms of wealth, tradition, heritage, and intellectual thinking. Many heroes have sacrificed for India’s independence but unfortunately have gone unnoticed. Amongst them were the Chapekar brothers, Damodar Hari Chapekar, Balkrishna Hari Chapekar and Vasudeo Hari Chapekar.
At a very young age, they were inspired by the stories of Shivaji and the ideals of Lokmanya Tilak. They tried to enlist themselves in the British army but were rejected, the reason being that they were Brahmins. They killed officer Rand and his military escort right after Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee celebration. Later they were arrested and put on trial for homicide and for treason against the British empire. On 18 April 1898, the Chapekar brothers, Damodar(27 years), Balkrishna (24 years), and Vasudeo(17 years) were hanged.
Another unacclaimed man who fought for our independence is Sir Surendranath Banerjee. In 1876, he established the Indian Association. The aim of this organization was to create political unity amongst the common men and to find a way to combat the unjust policies of the colonizers. He organized the Indian national Conference which paved the path for the initiation of the Indian National Congress in 1883. Sir Banerjee was the editor of a Bengali newspaper called Bengalee for over 40 years. He used it to encourage the spirit of nationalism in Indians as well as express his own views.
We are quite fortunate that our ancestors were so brave and fought for our independence thus providing a better future for us. We should learn from them and protect our rights.
It is rightly said by Shri Mahatma Gandhi, “Freedom is never dear at any price. It is the breath of life. What would a man not pay for living?”
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