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Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Punjab Kesari
January 28th marks the birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, a renowned Indian revolutionary, politician, and author. Fondly known as Punjab Kesari, Rai played a pivotal role in India's struggle for independence.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 28, 1865, in Dhudike, Punjab, Lajpat Rai was the eldest son of Munshi Radha Krishna and Gulab Devi Aggarwal.¹ He pursued his education at Government Higher Secondary School in Rewari and later joined Government College at Lahore to study law.
Contribution to Indian Independence
Lajpat Rai's involvement in the Indian independence movement began during his college days. He was influenced by the Hindu reformist movement of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and became a member of the Arya Samaj Lahore. Rai's journalistic writings and activism inspired many young men to join the freedom struggle.
Some of his notable contributions include:
- Founding Member of Indian National Congress: Rai was a key figure in the Indian National Congress and served as its president in 1920.
- Servants of the People Society: He founded this non-profit organization in 1921 to promote social welfare and education.
- Protest Against Simon Commission: Rai led a non-violent march against the Simon Commission in 1928, which ultimately led to his martyrdom.
Legacy
Lala Lajpat Rai's legacy continues to inspire Indians to this day. His commitment to social reform, education, and independence has left an indelible mark on the nation.
To commemorate his birth anniversary, various institutions and organizations across India pay tribute to his memory. Some notable institutions named after him include:
- Lala Lajpat Rai College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai
- Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College in Meerut
- Lala Lajpat Rai Institute of Engineering and Technology in Moga
As we celebrate Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti, let us remember his sacrifices and contributions to India's freedom struggle. His life serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations to work towards a stronger, more united India.
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