28th January marks the birth anniversary of Punjab Kesari – Lala Lajpat Rai. Rai was born to an Agarwal Jain family on 28 January 1865. He was one of the three members of the Lal Bal Pal triumvirate.
An author, revolutionary, and politician he played a key role in the Indian Independence Movement Lajpat Rai joined Government College at Lahore to study law, where he came in contact with many patriots and future freedom fighters such as Lala Hans Raj and Pandit Guru Dutt.
To shape the political policy of India to gain independence, he also practiced journalism and was a regular contributor to several newspapers including The Tribune. In 1914, he quit law practice to fully dedicate himself to the Indian Independence Struggle. His early freedom struggle was impacted by Arya Samaj and Communal Representation.
Lajpat Rai led a non-violent march on 30 October 1928, in protest against the Simon Commission and gave the famous slogan “Simon Go Back“. The protesters chanted the slogan and carried black flags. The Police lathi-charged the protesters and personally assaulted Rai. Despite being severely injured, Rai subsequently addressed the crowd and said-
“I declare that the blows struck at me today will be the last nails in the coffin of British rule in India”
Rai died a few weeks after sustaining severe injuries after the baton charge by police and died on 17 November 1928.
Remembering the Lion of Punjab- Lala Lajpat Rai
