Our Heroes
Subhas Chandra Bose (1897-1945)
A highly charismatic and influential nationalist leader, Subhas Chandra Bose broke away from the Indian National Congress to form the Forward Bloc. Driven by the urgency of independence, he sought international support during World War II, forming the Indian National Army (INA) with Japanese assistance to fight against British rule. His famous rallying cry, "Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom!" continues to inspire. His reported death in a plane crash in 1945 remains a subject of historical debate and fascination.
Chandra Shekhar Azad (1906-1931)
A fearless revolutionary leader, Chandra Shekhar Azad was a key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), following the death of its founder Ram Prasad Bismil. Known for his unwavering resolve and vow never to be captured alive by the British, he maintained a relentless fight against colonial rule. He tragically shot himself to avoid arrest during a police encounter, becoming a legend of ultimate sacrifice.
Bhagat Singh (1907-1931)
A revolutionary socialist, Bhagat Singh became an iconic figure of courage and defiance. Through daring actions like the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly and his subsequent trial, he used the courtroom as a platform to spread his anti-imperialist message. His revolutionary ideals, intellectual depth, and ultimate execution at a young age transformed him into a powerful symbol of sacrifice and resistance for Indian youth.
Shivaram Rajguru (1908-1931)
A bold revolutionary and a key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), Shivaram Rajguru was known for his decisive actions against British officials. He was involved in the assassination of British police officer J.P. Saunders, an act of retribution for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. His execution along with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev cemented his status as a martyr in India's freedom struggle.
Sukhdev Thapar (1907-1931)
A close comrade and fellow revolutionary of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar was a senior member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He played a crucial role in organizing and planning various revolutionary activities, including the Lahore Conspiracy Case. His unwavering commitment to the cause of Indian independence led to his execution alongside Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, making him a revered martyr.
Ashfaqulla Khan (1900-1927)
A close associate of Ram Prasad Bismil and a fellow revolutionary in the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), Ashfaqulla Khan was a testament to the Hindu-Muslim unity within the freedom struggle. He actively participated in the Kakori Conspiracy. His execution alongside Bismil highlighted the immense personal sacrifices made by revolutionaries dedicated to overthrowing British rule and achieving Indian independence.
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883-1966)
Also known as Veer Savarkar, was a revolutionary, writer, and political thinker. He pioneered the Hindutva ideology and authored “The Indian War of Independence,” reframing the 1857 revolt as a nationalist uprising. A fierce advocate of armed resistance, he was imprisoned in the Cellular Jail for his anti-British activities. Post-release, he led the Hindu Mahasabha and promoted social reforms. His legacy remains influential and deeply debated in Indian politics.
Neera Arya (1902-1998)
a fearless freedom fighter and the first woman spy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj. Born on 5 March 1902 in Khekra, Baghpat (Uttar Pradesh), she joined the Rani Jhansi Regiment, an all-women combat unit. Her life took a dramatic turn when she killed her husband, a British CID officer, to protect Netaji from an assassination attempt. For this act, Netaji called her “Nagini”, symbolizing her fierce loyalty.
Benoy Basu (1908-1930)
A Bengali revolutionary, Benoy Basu was a key figure in the audacious Writers' Building attack in Calcutta, alongside Badal Gupta and Dinesh Gupta. Disguised as Europeans, they stormed the Writers' Building to assassinate Inspector General of Police Colonel N.S. Simpson. To avoid capture, Benoy Basu committed suicide by taking potassium cyanide, becoming a martyr and an inspiration for the revolutionary youth of Bengal.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856-1920)
Known as "Lokmanya," Bal Gangadhar Tilak was a towering figure in the Indian independence movement. A powerful orator, journalist, and lawyer, he was among the first and strongest advocates of "Swaraj" (self-rule), famously declaring "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!" His militant nationalism and efforts to awaken mass political consciousness made him a pivotal leader.
Ram Prasad Bismil (1897-1927)
A prominent revolutionary and a gifted poet, Ram Prasad Bismil was a key member of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). He was a mastermind behind daring acts like the Kakori Conspiracy, aimed at funding revolutionary activities. His unwavering resolve and ultimate sacrifice, being hanged by the British, cemented his place as a national hero in the revolutionary struggle for independence.
Madan Lal Dhingra (1883-1909)
An Indian revolutionary studying in England, Madan Lal Dhingra assassinated British official Curzon Wyllie in London as an act of protest against the British atrocities in India. His defiant statement during his trial, expressing pride in his act as a patriotic duty, resonated deeply. He was subsequently hanged, becoming one of the first Indian revolutionaries to be executed on British soil, highlighting the global reach of the independence movement.
Khudiram Bose (1889-1908):
One of the youngest revolutionaries, Khudiram Bose was a Bengali revolutionary who, along with Prafulla Chaki, attempted to assassinate British District Magistrate Douglas Kingsford. Though the attempt failed, his participation in revolutionary activities at such a young age (he was just 18 when executed) made him a powerful symbol of youthful courage and sacrifice in the early days of India's revolutionary movement.
Gopal Krishna Gokhale (1866-1915)
A prominent moderate political leader and social reformer, Gopal Krishna Gokhale was known for his eloquent advocacy for constitutional reforms within the British framework. He believed in gradual change and dialog. As a mentor to Mahatma Gandhi, Gokhale played a crucial role in shaping the early direction of the Indian National Congress and advocating for greater Indian representation and rights.
Lala Lajpat Rai (1865-1928)
Revered as "Punjab Kesari" (Lion of Punjab), Lala Lajpat Rai was a fierce nationalist and part of the influential "Lal Bal Pal" triumvirate. A forceful advocate for Swaraj and a proponent of self-help, he led various protests against British policies. He tragically died from injuries sustained during a brutal police lathi charge while peacefully protesting the Simon Commission, becoming a martyr for the cause.
Udham Singh (1899-1940)
A revolutionary who sought to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, Udham Singh traveled to London and assassinated Michael O'Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, in 1940. His calculated act of retribution, carried out decades after the tragic event, highlighted the deep-seated anger and desire for justice among Indians. He was subsequently hanged, becoming a symbol of unwavering resolve and justice.
