Biography of Lala Lajpat Rai
Lala Lajpat Rai was an Indian freedom fighter and social reformer, born on January 28, 1865, in a small village called Dhudike in the Punjab region of British India. He was popularly known as “Punjab Kesari,” which means “Lion of Punjab,” for his fearless and courageous personality.
Lajpat Rai received his early education in the village school, and later he moved to Lahore, where he studied law. After completing his studies, he started practicing law in the court of Hissar. However, his interest in social and political reform drew him towards public life.
He actively participated in the Indian nationalist movement and was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress. He was one of the founding members of the Punjab National Bank and also established the Servants of People Society, which aimed to provide education and health services to the people.
Lajpat Rai was a fierce critic of the British colonial rule in India, and he used his speeches and writings to expose their injustices and demand freedom for the country. He was a strong advocate of Swadeshi movement, which promoted the use of Indian-made products and boycotting British goods. He also played a crucial role in the Non-Cooperation movement, which aimed to resist British rule through nonviolent means.
In 1928, Lajpat Rai led a protest march against the Simon Commission, which was appointed by the British government to review and suggest reforms in the Indian constitution. The police brutally lathi-charged the protestors, and Lajpat Rai sustained severe injuries, which led to his untimely death on November 17, 1928.
Lala Lajpat Rai was a visionary leader who dedicated his life to the service of his country and people. His contribution to India’s freedom struggle remains an inspiration for generations to come.
Why is Lala Lajpat Rai called Punjab Kesari?
Lala Lajpat Rai is called “Punjab Kesari,” which means “Lion of Punjab,” because of his fearless and courageous personality, and his significant contributions to the Indian freedom struggle. He was a prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Indian nationalist movement, advocating for the rights and freedom of the Indian people.
His efforts to expose the injustices of the British colonial rule and to promote the use of Indian-made products made him a popular figure among the people of Punjab. He also founded the Punjab National Bank, which helped to promote economic growth in the region.
Lala Lajpat Rai was a powerful orator and a passionate advocate for India’s freedom, and he fearlessly stood up to the British authorities, even in the face of great personal risk. His leadership and contributions to the freedom struggle earned him the title of “Punjab Kesari,” which is a testament to his courage, strength, and unwavering commitment to the people of Punjab and India as a whole.
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Which newspaper was started by Lala Lajpat Rai?
Lala Lajpat Rai, the Indian freedom fighter and social reformer, started a newspaper called “The People” in 1916. The newspaper was published in English and aimed to propagate the ideals of Indian nationalism and freedom struggle.
Lala Lajpat Rai used the newspaper as a platform to raise awareness about the oppressive policies of the British colonial government and to advocate for the rights of Indian people. The paper covered a wide range of issues related to Indian politics, social and economic reforms, and the struggle for independence.
The People was widely read by the Indian public, and it played a significant role in shaping public opinion and mobilizing people in support of the Indian nationalist movement. The newspaper also helped to create a sense of national unity and identity among Indians.
Despite facing government censorship and restrictions, Lala Lajpat Rai continued to publish The People and used it to criticize the British government and to promote the idea of Swaraj or self-rule for India. The newspaper became an important tool in the Indian freedom struggle and remains an important part of Lala Lajpat Rai’s legacy.
Major slogans of Lala Lajpat Rai
Lala Lajpat Rai, the Indian freedom fighter and social reformer, used many slogans and quotes to inspire and motivate the Indian people in their struggle for freedom from British colonial rule. Some of his major slogans and quotes include:
“Inquilab Zindabad” – This slogan means “Long Live Revolution” and was used by Lala Lajpat Rai to call for a radical change in the political and social system of India.
“Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it” – This quote emphasizes the idea of self-rule or Swaraj for India and was used by Lala Lajpat Rai to express his determination and commitment to the cause of Indian independence.
“Do or die” – This slogan was popularized by Lala Lajpat Rai during the Non-Cooperation movement, which aimed to resist British rule through nonviolent means. The slogan called on the Indian people to be willing to make any sacrifice for their freedom.
“Boycott British Goods” – Lala Lajpat Rai was a strong advocate of the Swadeshi movement, which promoted the use of Indian-made products and boycotting British goods. This slogan was used to raise awareness about the economic exploitation of India by the British and to promote the idea of self-reliance.
“Punjab for Punjabis” – This slogan was used by Lala Lajpat Rai to advocate for the rights of Punjabis and to promote regional autonomy within the Indian nationalist movement.
These slogans and quotes remain an important part of Lala Lajpat Rai’s legacy and continue to inspire generations of Indians in their struggle for social and political justice.
What is Lala Lajpat Rai famous for?
Some of the reasons why Lala Lajpat Rai is famous are :-
Indian National Movement :- Lala Lajpat Rai was one of the leaders of the Indian nationalist movement and was actively involved in promoting the cause of Indian independence from British colonial rule. He used his speeches, writings, and newspapers to spread awareness among the Indian people and to mobilize them to fight for their rights.
Fearless Personality :- Lala Lajpat Rai was known for his fearless personality and his courage in standing up to the British government. He was a strong critic of British colonial policies and was not afraid to speak his mind, even if it meant facing arrest or imprisonment.
Swadeshi Movement :- Lala Lajpat Rai was a strong advocate of the Swadeshi movement, which promoted the use of Indian-made products and boycotting British goods. He believed that the economic exploitation of India by the British was one of the main causes of Indian poverty, and he worked to promote the idea of self-reliance among Indians.
Social Reforms :- Lala Lajpat Rai was also deeply involved in social reforms and worked to promote education and healthcare for the Indian people. He founded the Servants of the People Society, which aimed to provide education and healthcare services to the people.
Lala Lajpat Rai‘s contributions to the Indian freedom struggle and his dedication to the cause of Indian independence have made him an important figure in Indian history and a source of inspiration for generations of Indians.
