The nation is celebrating the 157th birth anniversary of Punjab Kesari
Lala Lajpat Rai | Internet Archive Book Images/Flickr/Wikimedia Commons [Licensed under CC BY Flickr Commons]
The nation is celebrating the 157th birth anniversary of Punjab Kesari
Lala Lajpat Rai was a great freedom fighter whose contribution to the social and economical uplifting of society is memorable. He was always concerned about the self-reliance of India. In 1895, he helped in the establishment of the Punjab National Bank (PNB).
Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote a heartwarming message on his 157th birth anniversary.
“Humble tributes to great freedom fighter and patriot, Punjab Kesari #LalaLajpatRai on his birth anniversary. He was a nationalist and a great exponent of the Swadeshi movement. His deep love for the country and sacrifice continue to inspire.”
Lala Lajpat Rai was a very crucial part of the swadeshi movement and stressed the self-reliance of the citizens of India in the 1900 session of the National Congress. In 1928, he led peaceful protests against the Simon commission.
He was popularly known as the ‘Punjab Kesari’ or the ‘The lion of Punjab’. His strong involvement in the opposition of the Rowlatt Act gave him this title. The Rowlatt Act or The Anarchical and Revolutionary Crimes of 1919 was an act passed by the British Government to jail any Indian whom the British government considered as a threat.
Efficiency, tireless industry, and patriotism symbolized Lala Lajpat Rai. In 1907, he was punished with the toughest prison sentences in Mandalay (now Myanmar) for his increasing influence and involvement in the freedom movement.
He had also led protests against the Jallianwala bagh massacre.
Apart from a freedom fighter, he was also a notable author. He authored several masterpieces including “Unhappy India”, “Young India; an interpretation and a history of the nationalist movement from within”.
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