Freedom Fighters of India: How Mahatma Gandhi and other NRIs shaped the nation
India's freedom struggle was not only fought by those who lived in the country, but also by many who resided abroad. These Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) played a crucial role in shaping the modern India we know today. In this blog post, we will explore how some of the prominent NRIs contributed to the independence movement and the nation-building process.
Mahatma Gandhi: The Father of the Nation
The first and foremost NRI who comes to mind when we think of freedom fighters is Mahatma Gandhi. He was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He studied law in London and then moved to South Africa in 1893, where he faced racial discrimination and injustice. He started his political activism there by leading campaigns against the oppressive policies of the British colonial government. He also developed his philosophy of non-violence and civil disobedience, which he later applied to the Indian context.
Gandhi returned to India in 1915 and became the leader of the Indian National Congress. He launched several mass movements against the British rule, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, the Quit India Movement, and the Salt March. He also advocated for social reforms, such as abolishing untouchability, promoting communal harmony, empowering women, and promoting swadeshi (self-reliance). He inspired millions of Indians to join him in his peaceful struggle for freedom.
Gandhi was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by a right-wing extremist who opposed his views on Hindu-Muslim unity. He is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation and one of the greatest leaders of all time.
BR Ambedkar: The Chief Architect of the Constitution
Another NRI who had a profound impact on India's democracy and society was BR Ambedkar. He was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh. He belonged to a Dalit (untouchable) community and faced caste discrimination throughout his life. He overcame many obstacles and pursued higher education in India and abroad. He obtained his doctorates in economics from Columbia University and London School of Economics.
Ambedkar was a brilliant scholar, lawyer, economist, and social reformer. He fought for the rights and dignity of the oppressed classes, especially the Dalits. He also campaigned for women's rights, labor rights, education, and constitutional reforms. He was a vocal critic of the caste system and Hindu orthodoxy.
Ambedkar played a key role in drafting the Constitution of India as the chairman of the Constituent Assembly. He ensured that the Constitution guaranteed equality, liberty, justice, and fraternity to all citizens. He also advocated for a strong central government, a parliamentary system, a federal structure, and a secular outlook.
Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in 1956 along with millions of his followers. He died on December 6, 1956, leaving behind a legacy of social justice and human rights.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: The Iron Man of India
Another NRI who contributed immensely to India's unity and integrity was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat. He studied law in London and became a successful lawyer in India. He joined Gandhi's freedom movement and became one of his closest associates. He led various campaigns against the British rule, such as the Bardoli Satyagraha and the Kheda Satyagraha.
Patel was also a master strategist and organizer. He played a vital role in forming the Congress Working Committee and strengthening its base across the country. He also mobilized support for Gandhi's movements among peasants, workers, women, and youth.
Patel's most remarkable achievement was his integration of more than 500 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. He used diplomacy, persuasion, and force to convince or coerce the reluctant rulers to join India. He also dealt with various challenges such as communal riots, refugees, border disputes, and foreign aggression.
Patel was appointed as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India. He died on December 15, 1950, after suffering a heart attack. He is widely regarded as the Iron Man of India and one of the founding fathers of the nation.
Jawaharlal Nehru: The First Prime Minister of India
Another NRI who shaped India's destiny and vision was Jawaharlal Nehru. He was born on November 14, 1889, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. He studied at Harrow and Cambridge in England and became a barrister. He returned to India in 1912 and joined the Indian National Congress. He became a disciple of Gandhi and participated in various freedom movements, such as the Non-Cooperation Movement, the Civil Disobedience Movement, and the Quit India Movement. He was arrested several times by the British and spent a total of nine years in prison.
Nehru was a charismatic leader, an eloquent speaker, and a visionary thinker. He advocated for socialism, secularism, democracy, and modernization. He was also a champion of internationalism and anti-imperialism. He founded the Non-Aligned Movement and played a prominent role in world affairs.
Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India in 1947 and held the office until his death in 1964. He laid the foundations of India's political, economic, social, and cultural development. He also faced many challenges such as partition, communal violence, poverty, illiteracy, famine, war, and corruption.
Nehru is widely regarded as the architect of modern India and one of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century.
Subhash Chandra Bose: The Leader of the Indian National Army
Another NRI who inspired millions of Indians with his courage and patriotism was Subhash Chandra Bose. He was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha. He studied at Presidency College in Kolkata and then went to England to appear for the Indian Civil Service examination. He qualified for the service but resigned in protest against the British rule.
Bose was a radical leader who believed in armed struggle for independence. He clashed with Gandhi and other moderate leaders over the methods and goals of the freedom movement. He left India in 1941 and traveled to Germany and Japan to seek their support for his cause. He formed the Indian National Army (INA) with the help of Indian prisoners of war and expatriates.
Bose led the INA in a daring campaign against the British forces in Southeast Asia. He also established a provisional government of free India in Singapore. He gave the famous slogan of "Jai Hind" (Victory to India) and inspired his soldiers with his motto of "Give me blood and I will give you freedom".
Bose's fate remains a mystery as he reportedly died in a plane crash in Taiwan in 1945. However, many theories and controversies surround his death and disappearance. He is widely regarded as a national hero and one of the most influential leaders of the freedom movement.
Source:
(1) Cong leader says all prominent freedom fighters were NRIs - NewsBharati. https://www.newsbharati.com/Encyc/2023/6/5/Cong-leader-says-all-prominent-freedom-fighters-were-NRIs.html.
(2) Mahatma Gandhi, who was central architect of modern India, was an NRI. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/videos/news/mahatma-gandhi-who-was-central-architect-of-modern-india-was-an-nri/videoshow/100763713.cms.
(3) Freedom Fighters of India Names List, Images & Their Contribution - Adda247. https://www.adda247.com/school/freedom-fighters-of-india/.
(4) Why Mahatma Gandhi is a freedom fighter? – Heimduo. https://heimduo.org/why-mahatma-gandhi-is-a-freedom-fighter/.
FAQ's
What is freedom fighters of India?
Ans. Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Lala Lajpat Rai, Lal Bhadur Shashtri, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak played major role in bringing Independence to India.
Who was the real hero of Indian independence?
Mahatma Gandhi Born on 2nd October 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is revered as Father of the Nation for his immense sacrifices for India. He not only ushered India towards freedom, but he also became the inspiring figure for many independence struggles and rights movements across the world.
Who is the top 10 freedom fighters?
A List of 10 Freedom Fighters of India Mahatma Gandhi. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly called Mahatma Gandhi, was born on October 2, 1869. ... Jawaharlal Nehru. ... Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. ... Bhagat Singh. ... Lal Bahadur Shastri. ... Ram Prasad Bismil. ... Subhas Chandra Bose. ... Rani Laxmi Bai.
Who was the greatest freedom fighter of India?
Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi, was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist. ... Subhash Chandra Bose. Subhas Chandra Bose was, without a doubt, one of the greatest Indian freedom fighters in history. ... Bhagat Singh. ... Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. ... Jawaharlal Nehru. ... Bal Gangadhar Tilak. ... Lala Lajpatrai. ... Rani Laxmibai.
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