By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
The nation on Thursday paid rich tributes to legendary freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad on his birth anniversary, remembering his unmatched courage, patriotism and supreme sacrifice in India’s struggle for independence.
Born on July 23, 1906, in Bhabra village (now Chandrashekhar Azad Nagar) in present-day Madhya Pradesh, Azad emerged as one of the most fearless revolutionaries of the Indian freedom movement. As a teenager, he joined the freedom movement. When arrested by the British, he declared his name as “Azad” (Free), his father’s name as “Swatantrata” (Freedom), and his residence as “Jail”, earning the nickname that would define his legacy.
Azad later became a leading member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and worked closely with revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh, Ram Prasad Bismil and Sukhdev. He played a crucial role in reorganising the revolutionary movement after the Kakori conspiracy case and was associated with actions aimed at challenging British rule.
On February 27, 1931, Azad was surrounded by British police at Alfred Park in Allahabad. Staying true to his pledge that he would never be captured alive, he fought bravely before using his last bullet on himself.
More than nine decades after his martyrdom, Chandrashekhar Azad continues to inspire generations with his unwavering commitment to freedom, courage and sacrifice.