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Picture Courtesy: Times of India

Context:

Punjab chief minister paid floral tribute to Punjab Kesari on 161^st Birth anniversary.

Lala Lajpat Rai (1865–1928):

Early Life:

Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28 January 1865 in Dhudike village of Punjab. His father, Munshi Radha Krishan, was a school teacher, while his mother, Gulab Devi, was known for her strong moral and religious values. From childhood, he was exposed to ideas of social reform, education, and nationalism, which later shaped his political and social outlook.

Political journey of Lala Lajpat Rai:

Early political activism and deportation (1907): Lala Lajpat Rai’s growing nationalist activities made him a target of the British authorities. In 1907, he was arrested and deported to Mandalay (in present-day Myanmar) without trial. This action reflected British fears about the rising influence of assertive nationalist leaders. After about a year in exile, he was released, and the experience further strengthened his resolve against colonial rule.

Use of writing as a political tool: Deeply committed to India’s freedom, Lajpat Rai gave up his legal career to work full-time for the national cause. He believed that India’s struggle needed international attention, so he wrote extensively to expose the exploitative nature of British rule. His writings aimed to inform the world about the economic drain, political repression, and suffering of Indians under colonial governance.

International Advocacy (1914–1920): Understanding the importance of global opinion, Lajpat Rai traveled abroad to build support for India’s independence.

• He visited Britain in 1914 to present India’s case before political groups and intellectuals.
• In 1917, he went to the United States, where he stayed for several years.
• During his stay in America, he founded the Indian Home Rule League of America in New York (1917) to spread awareness about India’s demand for self-government.

His international outreach helped present India’s freedom struggle as part of a broader global fight for democratic rights.

Role in the Indian National Movement: Lala Lajpat Rai emerged as one of the most prominent nationalist leaders during the freedom struggle.

• Lal–Bal–Pal Leadership: He was part of the famous nationalist trio Lal–Bal–Pal (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal). This group represented the assertive nationalist approach that demanded self-rule (Swaraj) and encouraged mass participation in the freedom movement.

• Swadeshi and Boycott Movements: He strongly promoted the use of indigenous goods and urged Indians to boycott British products. He believed economic self-reliance was essential for political freedom.
• Indian National Congress: He was an active member of the Indian National Congress and presided over its Special Session in Calcutta in 1920, where key decisions regarding the freedom movement were discussed.

• Support for Non-Cooperation Movement: Lajpat Rai supported Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, encouraging people to reject British institutions, titles, and services.

Protests Against British Repression in Punjab:

Lajpat Rai strongly opposed British repressive policies, especially in Punjab.

• He raised his voice against the Rowlatt Act (1919), which allowed detention without trial.
• He also condemned the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which deeply shocked the nation and intensified anti-British sentiment.

His leadership helped mobilize public opinion in Punjab against colonial injustice.

Protest against the Simon Commission (1928):

One of the most defining moments of his life came during the protest against the Simon Commission, which arrived in India in 1928 without any Indian representation.

Lala Lajpat Rai led a peaceful demonstration in Lahore on 30 October 1928 against the Commission. During the protest, the police carried out a brutal lathi charge under the orders of a British officer. Rai suffered serious injuries in this incident and passed away on 17 November 1928.

Before his death, he declared that the blows he received would prove fatal to British rule in India. His martyrdom deeply stirred nationalist sentiments across the country.

Contributions to education and social reform:

Lajpat Rai was not only a political leader but also a committed social reformer.

Arya Samaj influence: He was closely associated with the Arya Samaj and worked for social upliftment, education, and reform of orthodox practices.

Servants of the People Society: In 1921, he founded the Servants of the People Society, an organization aimed at promoting education, social service, upliftment of the underprivileged, and women’s welfare.

Role in Journalism: Lala Lajpat Rai used the press as a powerful medium to spread nationalist thought and social reform ideas. He was associated with several Hindi, Punjabi, English, and Urdu newspapers and journals, through which he voiced criticism of British policies and encouraged political awareness among Indians. He also founded and edited the Arya Gazette, which became an important platform for reformist and nationalist discourse.

Biographical writings: Rai drew inspiration from great historical and nationalist figures across the world. To motivate Indians, he wrote biographies of personalities such as Giuseppe Mazzini, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Chhatrapati Shivaji, and Lord Krishna. Through these works, he highlighted themes of patriotism, sacrifice, and resistance to oppression.

Major political and social works: Lala Lajpat Rai was a prolific author whose books reflected his deep engagement with politics, society, religion, and education. His important writings include:

• Young India – A detailed account of the Indian nationalist movement from an insider’s perspective.
• England’s Debt to India – An analysis of how British rule economically exploited India.
• Evolution of Japan – A study of Japan’s modernization and national progress as a model for India.
• India’s Will to Freedom – A reflection on India’s determination to achieve independence.
• Message of the Bhagavad Gita – His interpretation of the Gita’s philosophical and moral teachings.
• Political Future of India – A discussion on India’s possible political paths after British rule.
• Problem of National Education in India – His views on building an education system rooted in Indian values.
• The Depressed Classes – A work addressing social inequality and the condition of marginalized communities.
• The History of the Indian National Movement – A historical overview of India’s freedom struggle.
• The Story of My Deportation – A personal account of his exile by the British authorities.

Historical significance:

Lala Lajpat Rai is remembered as one of the most fearless leaders of India’s freedom struggle. His sacrifice inspired revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh and his associates, who later avenged the lathi charge incident. He came to be known as “Punjab Kesari” (Lion of Punjab) for his courage and leadership. His life symbolizes patriotism, sacrifice, and dedication to social reform and national freedom.

Conclusion:

Lala Lajpat Rai’s literary contributions were an extension of his nationalist mission, using the power of the written word to awaken political consciousness and social reform. Through journalism, biographies, and analytical works, he exposed the injustices of British rule, promoted national education, and inspired pride in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. His writings not only strengthened the freedom movement but also left a lasting intellectual legacy in modern Indian political thought.

Source: Times of India