Popularly known as Punjab Kesari and ‘Lion of Punjab’, the great freedom fighter of India, Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28th January 1865. Lala Lajpat Rai is a very well-know martyr of India who devoted his life for the independence of his motherland. The birthday of this great personality is celebrated as Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti every year on 28th January with great admiration and enthusiasm. ala Lajpat Rai Jayanti is celebrated to honor the birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent Indian freedom fighter, nationalist leader, and social reformer. He was born on January 28, 1865, in Dhudike, Punjab, India. Known as the "Lion of Punjab," Lala Lajpat Rai was an influential figure in the Indian independence movement and played a key role in the struggle against British colonial rule.
Lalaji was born in a village named Dhudike in Ferozepur District of Punjab and was brought up in a very liberal environment with freedom of having different faiths and beliefs. He joined the Lahore Government College for studying law where he came in contact with Swami Dayanand and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. After clearing his Law exams, he started practicing law in Hissar in 1886.Beside practicing law; he started attending the meetings of the Congress Party and soon became an active worker.
During his stay in USA and England, he witnessed labour movement very closely. This movement inspired him a lot. The dictatorial way of British Government against the rising support for independence movement motivated Lalaji to create awareness for national pride and self-respect among people and very soon with huge popularity, Lalaji emerged as the acknowledged leader of this new nationalist lobby.
In the Calcutta Special Session of 1920, he was voted President of the Congress party. With the support of Bipin Chandra Pal and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai formed extreme nationalist section in Congress. This trio was also known as Lal-Bal-Pal.
He was a great believer of Hinduism and Hindu ideology of peace and humanity. He believed that a non secular nation can be formed when nationalist ideas are also combined with Hinduism.
He went to jail many times protesting against suppressive policies of British government. In 1928, The British government made a commission to observe and report political developments in India; Sir John Simon was the chief of this commission. The fact that this Commission had not a single Indian member, deeply angered Indians and Indian nationalist parties objected this commission with nationwide protests.
When the Commission visited Lahore on 30 October 1928, Lalaji led a procession against the Simon Commission and gave the slogan “Simon go back”. Even though the protest was non-violent, British government ordered a brutal lathi charge. Lalaji got very badly injured in this cruel lathi charge, and died three weeks later.
Lala Lajpat Rai was a great supporter of quality education in India. This is why a trust called Lala Lajpat Rai trust has been formed for quality education in India. Lala Lajpat Rai was very popular among nationalist youth because he had exceptional leadership qualities. He was not only a great speaker but also a remarkable writer. He wrote many journals related to Aarya samaj in Aarya Gazette. His essays implanted zeal and enthusiasm for freedom among youth.
Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti is always seen in association with the youth of India as he aroused a strong sense of patriotism among them. Several nationalistic and patriotic events are organized across the country. In schools and colleges, various speeches and lectures on patriotism are held. Children take part in plays and dramas narrating his contribution to Indian independence movement.
Key contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai include:
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Political Leadership: Lala Lajpat Rai was a leader of the Indian National Congress and a key figure in the Lal-Bal-Pal triumvirate (Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal), which advocated for radical approaches to attain self-rule.
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Social Reforms: He was actively involved in various social reform movements, including campaigns for education, women's rights, and the eradication of caste discrimination.
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Educational Contributions: Lala Lajpat Rai founded several educational institutions, including the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) Schools and Colleges, which played a crucial role in promoting modern education in India.
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Literary Works: He was a prolific writer and authored several books and articles on Indian culture, history, and politics.
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Role in Protests: Lala Lajpat Rai led several protests and movements against British policies, including the protest against the Simon Commission in 1928, during which he suffered injuries in a police lathi charge. He succumbed to these injuries on November 17, 1928.
Lala Lajpat Rai Jayanti is celebrated with a variety of events and activities to honor his legacy and contributions to India's freedom struggle and social reforms. Here are some common ways this day is observed:
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Ceremonial Tributes: Political leaders, scholars, and the general public pay homage to Lala Lajpat Rai by garlanding his statues and portraits. Special ceremonies are held at places associated with his life and work.
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Educational Programs: Schools, colleges, and universities organize seminars, debates, and lectures to educate students about Lala Lajpat Rai's life, his role in the independence movement, and his social reforms. Essay and speech competitions are also conducted.
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Cultural Events: Cultural programs, including plays, skits, and dance performances, are held to depict the life and contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai. These events aim to inspire patriotism and the spirit of service among the youth.
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Social Service Activities: Many organizations and community groups engage in social service activities such as blood donation camps, health check-up camps, and distribution of food and clothes to the needy, reflecting Lala Lajpat Rai's commitment to social welfare.
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Publication of Articles and Books: Newspapers, magazines, and online platforms publish articles and special editions highlighting Lala Lajpat Rai's achievements and his impact on Indian society and politics.
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Public Rallies and Processions: In some regions, public rallies and processions are organized to celebrate his birth anniversary. These rallies often feature slogans and banners that commemorate his contributions to the freedom struggle.
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Documentaries and Films: Television channels and online streaming platforms may air documentaries and films about Lala Lajpat Rai, providing a visual account of his life and legacy.
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Commemorative Events by Organizations: Various political parties, social organizations, and cultural groups host commemorative events to discuss and reflect on the relevance of Lala Lajpat Rai's ideals in contemporary times.
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