WS Tales20 Jul 2024

Top 15 Freedom Fighters of India & Their Contributions

The proverb ‘A spark can start a great fire’ is proved right by our Freedom Fighters. This 78th Independence Day, let’s celebrate by remembering the immense love they had for our motherland India.

India is not only rich in diversity and culture but also rich in history. Back in the day, India was known as the Golden Bird due to its abundance of resources. Throughout its history, despite British dominance, India's wealth and majesty attracted enemies from all over the world. India ultimately declared independence from colonial dominance in 1947 after a protracted fight. Numerous freedom fighters of India have shed a lot of blood and effort to protect our country's glory, while some even gave their lives to attain independence. India Gate in Delhi was built as an homage to the millions of heroic freedom fighters who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.

Independence Day 2024 Theme

The theme for 78th Independence Day celebrations is 'Viksit Bharat', in sync with the government's vision to transform the country into a developed nation by 2047

As we approach 15th August, India's 77th Independence Day 2024, let's pay tribute to the top 15  freedom fighters of India, who sacrificed it all for India's future.We have compiled a list of the top 15 Indian independence freedom fighters name with freedom fighters images, out of admiration for their dedication and hard work, as without them, independent India could not exist.

Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950)

Freedom Fighters of India - Sardar patel

Also known as the Iron Man of India and Bismarck of India, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was one of the famous Indian freedom fighters renowned for his bravery and epic from a very young age. Initially a lawyer, Sardar Patel left the legal profession to fight for India's independence from British control. Following India's independence, he was appointed as the country's Deputy Prime Minister and worked tirelessly to bring princely states into the Union of India. He also received the honorary Bharat Ratna Award for his hard work and dedication.

Jawaharlal Nehru (14 November 1889 – 27 May 1964)

 

Freedom Fighters of India - Jawaharlal Nehru

Popularly known as Chacha Nehru, he adored kids very much and his birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day. Nehru, who started out as a lawyer, became one of the most famous freedom fighters of India and politician. Mahatma Gandhi's attempts to free India from the British had a big impact on his fervour for the country's independence. He participated in the war for freedom, rose to the position of President of the Indian National Congress, and finally was appointed the country's first Prime Minister upon independence.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948)

 

Freedom Fighters of India - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Father of the Nation,"  Mahatma Gandhi earned the name because of his great (mahan) deeds, like non-violent movements. He married Kasturba when he was 13 and studied law in London before traveling to South Africa to practice law. There, he was inspired to fight for human rights by seeing racial discrimination toward some Indians. Gandhi fervently joined the liberation struggle after seeing how India was being ruled by Englishmen. One of the most influential freedom fighters of India, Mahatma Gandhi led various non-violent protests against the British people in his quest for independence, including the "Dandi March" movement, which he took on his bare foot to remove the salt tax.

Lal Bahadur Shastri (2 October 1904 – 11 January 1966)

 

Freedom Fighters of India - Lal Bahadur Shastri

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, in 1904. When he finished his studies at Kashi Vidyapeeth, he received the title "Shastri" Scholar. He was one of the most impactful freedom fighters of India who joined the Mahatma Gandhi-led Salt Satyagraha campaign, the Civil Disobedience movement, and the Quit India movement as a silent but active liberation warrior. Being an independence freedom fighter he spent a lot of time behind bars. He held the office of Home Minister upon India's independence before being elected as the second Prime Minister of India in 1964. The most popular phrase “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” was coined by him in 1965.

Dr Rajendra Prasad (3 December 1884 – 28 February 1963)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Dr Rajendra Prasad

Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the creator of the Indian Constitution and the free country's first president, comes in second on the list of the most famous freedom fighters in India. He was a fierce advocate for Mahatma Gandhi. In 1947, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who served as India's first president from 1950 to 1962, saw his goal come true. He was also among the first Indian presidents to be elected to two consecutive terms. He raised money for Searchlight and Desh during the Independence Movement while also contributing articles to these periodicals. In 1962, Prasad also received the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor.

Subhas Chandra Bose (23 January 1897 – 18 August 1945)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Subhas Chandra Bose

Subhas Chandra Bose, one of the bravest freedom fighters of India also known as Netaji, was born in Orissa. He may have been shaken by the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and forced to leave England for India in 1921. He became a member of the Indian National Congress and participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement. He sought assistance in Germany after becoming dissatisfied with Gandhi Ji's Non-Violence Method of Freedom and finally founded the Azad Hind Government and Azad Hind Army, now known as the Indian National Army (INA), where he trained and supervised all freedom fighters.

Lala Lajpat Rai (28 January 1865 – 17 November 1928)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai, also known as “Punjab Kesari”, was an Indian author and one of the bravest national heroes of India. He was an extreme member of the Indian National Congress and a member of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio. He rose to prominence in 1920 as a result of his leadership of the Punjab Protest and the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Jalliawala Bagh event. He passed away in 1928 during a Simon Commission protest after a harsh British Lathi charge.

Bhagat Singh (28 September 1907 – 23 March 1931)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh was a well-known revolutionary, and a contentious & my personal favourite Freedom Fighter for India who eventually died as a proud martyr for his nation. He was born in Punjab in a Sikh family of independence warriors. Since he was a naturalized citizen, he joined the non-Cooperation movement in 1921. To foster patriotism in Punjabi youth, he founded the "Naujawan Bharat Sabha." The Chauri-Chaura Massacre changed him completely. At the age of 23, he was hung to death by British colonizers. His enduring nickname is "Shaheed (martyr) Bhagat Singh." Freedom fighter Bhagat Singh popularized the term "Inquilab Zindabad", and it eventually became the anthem of the Indian independence struggle.

Mangal Pandey (19 July 1827 – 8 April 1857)

 

Indian freedom Fighter - Mangal pandey

He was the first freedom fighter in the country. Despite being a soldier in the British Army, he rebelled when he learned that the cartridges the soldiers were given were lubricated with pig fat. For the first time, Mangal Pandey inspired Indians by introducing the phrase "Maro Firangi Ko." His uprising served as the catalyst for the first liberation struggle. He was one of the earliest rebels to motivate young Indian soldiers to start the 1857 Great Rebellion, Indian Mutiny, also called India's First War of Independence.

Nana Sahib (19 May 1824 – 1859)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Nana Sahib

Nana Sahib, who headed a band of fervent rebels, made a crucial contribution to the 1857 insurrection. By slaughtering the force's survivors, he overran the British soldiers in Kanpur and threatened the British camp. In addition to being bold and brave, Nana Sahib was a talented administrator who organized and oversaw thousands of Indian warriors. He is one among the best freedom fighters of India.

Bipin Chandra Pal (7 November 1858 - 20 May 1932)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Bipin Chandra Pal

Bipin Chandra Pal,one of the most important freedom fighters of India, passionately advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) and Swadeshi (self-reliance). As part of the influential Lal-Bal-Pal trio, he inspired public sentiment against British colonialism through his compelling speeches, writings, and editorial work. Pal's strong nationalism and ability to inspire the masses played a crucial role in awakening a strong sense of national identity and resistance among Indians.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak (23 July 1856 - 1 August 1920)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Bal Gangadhar Tilak, known as the 'Father of Indian Unrest', was among the most passionate freedom fighters of India. His famous declaration, "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it," inspired and mobilized the Indian people. Tilak's leadership and efforts were instrumental in the formation of the All India Home Rule League, which played a crucial role in pushing for India's independence from British rule through widespread grassroots activism.

Sarojini Naidu (13 February 1879 – 2 March 1949)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Sarojini Naidu

Sarojini Naidu, the 'Nightingale of India', was a renowned poet and influential activist. She played a vital role in the civil disobedience and Quit India movements, leading protests and inspiring many. Naidu made history as the first woman president of the Indian National Congress and later as the first woman governor of an Indian state, contributing significantly to India's struggle for independence and post-independence governance. She  is the most underrated freedom fighters of India who made great efforts for our nation.

Chandra Shekhar Azad (23 July 1906 - 27 February 1931)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Chandra Shekhar Azad

Chandra Shekhar Azad was one of the dynamic freedom fighters of India and a key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He actively participated in several anti-British activities, most notably the Kakori Train Robbery. Known for his unwavering commitment to freedom, Azad famously declared he would never be captured alive by the British. True to his word, he died in a dramatic shootout with the police, solidifying his legacy as the most fearless freedom fighters of India.

Rani Lakshmibai ( 19 November 1828 - 18 June 1858)

 

Indian Freedom Fighter - Rani Lakshmibai

Rani Lakshmibai, the valiant Queen of Jhansi, played a pivotal role in the 1857 Indian Rebellion against British rule. Renowned for her exceptional bravery and strategic intelligence, she led her forces with remarkable courage. Her fierce resistance and defiant spirit made her an enduring symbol of India's fight for freedom, inspiring countless others to join the struggle against colonial oppression and fight for their homeland's independence.

Summing Up:

As we commemorate India's 77th Independence Day, we honor the unparalleled bravery and dedication of these top 15 freedom fighters who laid the foundation for a free and independent India. Their relentless struggle and sacrifice against British colonial rule not only paved the way for our nation's independence but also instilled a deep sense of patriotism and unity among Indians. These national heroes of India continue to inspire and remind us of the immense love they had for our motherland. Let us remember their contributions and strive to uphold the values and freedom they fought so valiantly for.

We will be back with the next blog soon. Till then, stay tuned!

Jai Hind!

Image Source: Pinterest, Google, and Wooden Street

Wooden Street is also participating in 'Hamara Sankalp Viksit Bharat’, the theme of 78th Independence Day, in sync with the government's vision to transform the country into a developed nation by 2047. It aims to achieve a prosperous nation in harmony with nature, boasting modern infrastructure and providing opportunities for all citizens and regions to reach their full potential by 2047.

3 Comments
Advika 20 Jul 2024 Reply
This information was very helpful to me didnt expect this
↷ WS team
B Chennakrishna Reddy 20 Jul 2024 Reply
A good article
↷ WS team
MANOJ KUMAR JHA 20 Jul 2024 Reply
I Love my all freedom fighters Jai Hind Jai Bharat
↷ WS team
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