On the account of 68th Independence Day, we thought we would revise a little from your history classes. We bring you out the 10 inspiring personalities who changed the face of India
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Mahatma Gandhi
An iconic man the world has ever seen. The time when people believed war was the only solution there stood a man against violence and proved to the world that humanity, love and non-violence can win too. He stood up to his lines “Be the change that you wish to see in the world. “ His life itself was a message.
Gandhi was born in a upper middle class family, he studied barrister law in England, spent over 20 years in South Africa working to fight discrimination. Came to India and spent the rest of his life striving hard for freedom. He took the simplicity and non-violence path and has been an inspiration for great leaders like Martin Luther King Jr , Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Dalai Lama, John Lennon, Steve Jobs and many others. Gandhi has been an inspiration for many generations and he will remain an inspiration forever. Here are 5 inspiring quotes from the Mahatma.
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Sardar vallabhbhai patel
The Iron Man of India. He was born to a poor farmer, with much difficulties he completed his studies and became a successful lawyer and later a prominent leader of Indian National Congress.Hewas responsible for the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union and it’s because of him Hyderabad remained as a part of India.
Rani lakshmibai
Dates back to 1840s and 50s. She played a prominent role in resisting the rule of East India Company. It has also been reported that she commanded the largest women’s army till date.When we talk about Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai, the first picture that comes to our mind is the way she battled with her son tied on her back, right? She was a rebellion.
Mangal pandey
One of the earliest freedom fighter of Indian struggle for independence who fought the first Indian rebellion of 1857. He was a soldier under the British East India Company. He was a devout Hindu and once he discovered that the rifles which the soldiers used were greased with the fat of pig and cow fat which was against religious beliefs and hence he revolted back against the British and later became a prominent leader in the first Indian War of Independence.
Bhagat singh
He is one of the most influential revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement. His slogan “Inqualab Zindabad” meaning Long Live the Revolution! became very popular with the activists. As a young boy he dreamed of seeing India as a free nation. He involved himself in many revolutionary protests. He was convicted and hanged at the age 23. His legacy inspired many young Indians to be a part of freedom struggle.
Shubhas Chandra Bose
Subhas Chandra Bose was a dynamic personality. His ideas and strategies didn’t match with his contemporary freedom fighters but his fighting spirit led him build an organisation called Azad Hind Fauj to overthrow British from India. He died at an early age but he is still remembered as one of the greatest heroes India has ever seen.
Annie Besant
A British Activist who believed in Indian Self-rule. She campaigned for India’s freedom and was also a woman’s rights activist.She fought against her own country for the establishment of democracy in India. Standing for the right that too against her own country people must have been very tough but the courage she showed is highly inspiring and remarkable.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
The creator of the largest democracy in the world. He was a victim of Indian caste system. He campaigned against social discrimination in India, overcoming numerous social and financial obstacles, Ambedkar became one of earliest “untouchables” to obtain a college education in India He strived hard for equal social rights for the untouchables and women. He brought a revolution in modern India.
Sarojini Naidu
The Nightingale of India. She was the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress and also became the first woman to become the governor of an Indian state. She travelled many states and delivered speeches on social welfare and spread the message of independence through her poetry. She involved herself in various activities such as women education and Hindu Muslim equality and also took part in the movements like Montagu Chelmsford Reform through, Khilafat movement, Satyagraha Movement.
Jawaharlal Nehru
The first prime minister of India. He was raised in a rich family, studied law in England, quit practice and became an important part of freedom struggle. Once while traveling on a train, Nehru overheard British General gloating over the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, an incident in which 79 people were killed and at least 1,200 wounded. Upon hearing the general’s words, Nehru vowed to fight against the British. And this incident changed the course of his life.
There are many such personalities which involves freedom fighters from various religions, social activist and millions of soldiers who sacrificed there lives. We owe our sincere respect to them.
They sacrificed their lives to see a free India, If you see what’s common in them, the first thing you notice is the DESIRE,the desire to see a free nation. The power of their desire was so intense that the differences of caste, nationality, poverty, difficulties, physical abuse, verbal abuse, time, energy and not even their life could stand.
We are grateful to such inspiring personalities who showed us that patience, perseverance and persistence can help us reach our goal one day. When we hear there struggle I have to admit that the world we live is much easy. It offers us plenty of opportunities to accomplish our desire.
I feel proud to be born in a country which has seen such great heroes. Wishing you all a happy independence day. I am sorry I could fit only 10 personalities here. Do let us know who inspire you,
we would love to here from you
P.S: A proud Indian
