PM Modi pays homage to Chandra Shekhar Azad, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak

On the occasion of their birth anniversaries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tribute to freedom fighters Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, saying their contributions to the freedom war continue to serve as an inspiration to the citizens of the nation.

“Greetings to the great son of the country, Chandrashekhar Azad, on his birth anniversary. The story of his sacrifice to protect the motherland will always inspire the people of the country,” Modi tweeted in Hindi.

In another tweet in Hindi, he said, “Salute to Lokmanya Tilak, the immortal warrior of the country who shook the foundations of foreign rule by demanding 'purna swaraj', on his birth anniversary. The story of his courage, struggles, and dedication to the freedom movement will always inspire the people of the country.”

Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1906 and leading a revolutionary network, Azad pledged not to be captured by the British. He committed suicide in 1931 after coming into contact with the police, keeping his vow to live "Azad" (free).

Tilak, who was born in 1856, was one of the first leaders in the freedom movement to have an all-India appeal.