Category Archives: India’s Freedom Struggle

Raja Ram Mohan Roy

By Notable Brahmins Posted in India's Freedom Struggle

raja ram mohan roy brahmin“Truth and Virtue do not necessarily belong to wealth and Power and distinctions of big mansions”

Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a name proudly known as maker of Modern India, has contributed immensely to the freedom struggle of India and bringing social & educational reforms in India. The title of Raja was bestowed upon him by the Mughal Emperor Akbar II. On his death anniversary today, i.e. 27th September, let’s delve deeper into his works for bringing path-breaking changes that helped break the shackles of some of the inhuman practices in India:

Born in a Brahmin family in Hoogly district of Bengal to the Sanskrit scholar Ramkanto Roy, he learnt Persian and Arabic in a madrasa. Interestingly, he also knew a lot of foreign languages, including English, Greek, Hebrew, French, and Latin. His varied education laid down the foundation for tolerance and respect towards other religions. He worked as a private clerk to Thomas Woodroffe, a registrar and later for John Digby, a collector of East India company. During this time, he did a lot of research on political and social reforms and published them. He left his employment to dedicate his time to work towards bringing social and economic renaissance.
“The superstitious practices which deform the Hindu religion have nothing to do with the pure spirit of its dictates.”

He founded the Brahmo Samaj, which worked for bringing social reforms such as removal of caste system and bringing an end to some social evils & customs. He painstakingly took efforts to publish Bengali versions of Upanishads and Vedas for people to be aware of the original version of the texts. Its focus was on reading of scriptures, prayers, and meditation instead of idol worship and sacrifices. One of his biggest accomplishments was the abolition of Sati, a practice that was extremely inhuman against Hindu women. In fact, he even travelled to England in 1930 to ensure that the Act against banning Sati would not be nullified. Besides, he worked towards abolition of polygamy, child marriage, and the right to education and inherit property for women.

In 1830, he spent two years in England as an ambassador of the Mughal empire to look after the needs of India. Unfortunately, in 1833, he lost his life to meningitis and was interred in Bristol. The nation will remain forever indebted to tireless contribution for introducing modern times in India.

“I have now given up all worldly avocations, and am engaged in religious culture and in the investigation of truth”

Birth Score – 4/5

Pride Score – 5/5

A super-impressive 9/10 Notable Brahmin Score.

Rani Laxmi Bai

By Notable Brahmins Posted in India's Freedom Struggle, Royalty

rani laxmi bai brahmin“Meri Jhansi nahi doongi!”

While these words have been written on the pages of history, Rani Laxmi Bai is one of few names of women who have made a huge impact in the 1857 freedom struggle of India. Still inspiring millions of daughters across the country, this fearless warrior represents patriotism in a true sense.

Born in a Brahmin family in 1835, she had a unconventional upbringing, as opposed to children of her age. Trained from childhood in martial arts, shooting and sword fighting, under the guidance of Tatya Tope, Rani Laxmi Bai was known fondly as “Manu”. She was married to Maharaj Gangadhar Rao Baba Sahib of Jhansi, where she assumed the status of a queen. She quickly gained the affection and loyalty of her subjects. However, with no surviving legal heir, the Maharaja adopted a son, just before his death, as per their tradition. The British refused to acknowledge the adopted son as the heir and started interfering in the small kingdom, while annexing it under their rule as per their Doctrine of Lapse.

The Queen was already asked to leave her rights and the throne and offered an annual pension. Yet, the brave Queen of Jhansi refused to budge and let her throne fall into British hands. By that time, an uprising had already started across India to foil plans of British to usurp India. Under the command of Sir Hugh Rose, the British managed to reach the fort of Jhansi to capture it. The battle went for two weeks and the Queen fought with valor and courage, however lost the battle. It is reported that she used to carry her son on her back on the battlefield. With her son and a few trusted followers, she escaped to the fort of Gwalior, to continue her battle against the British. It has also been reported that many villagers refused to give them refuge fearing the British.

The British had now recognized her as a rebel, who had tremendous potential, hence had made immediate plans to capture her. Dressed as a soldier, the 29-year old gallant Queen fought fearlessly in 1858 at Gwalior, despite lack of resources. English writers who have written an account of her war skills and strategies, describe that the courageous Ranee was at the forefront, battling till her very last breath even when her army was thinning. She fell down after she was struck by bullets and was immediately cremated as per her last wishes, untouched by the enemies.

Despite her loss, she has set an unmatched example, which was quite rare during those times, especially when role of women were confined and limited to household activities. She certainly planted seeds of patriotism among future leaders of the country and still remains one of the most celebrated war hero.

“We fight for independence. In the words of Lord Krishna, we will if we are victorious, enjoy the fruits of victory, if defeated and killed on the field of battle, we shall surely earn eternal glory and salvation.”

Birth Score – 5/5

Pride Score – 5/5

Undoubtedly, an impressive 10/10 Notable Brahmin Score.

 

Lal Bahadur Shastri

By Notable Brahmins Posted in India's Freedom Struggle, Politics

lal bahadur shastri brahmin“We believe in the dignity of man as an individual, whatever his race, color or creed, and his right to better, fuller, and richer life.”

Born during the pre-independence era in a Brahmin family of Varanasi, Shri Lal Bahadur Shashtri was a notable leader of India. A firm believer and staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, the seeds of India’s freedom struggle were imbibed in his mind at a tender age of eleven. He joined the Non-cooperation Movement called out by Gandhiji when he was just 16 years old. In 1930, he joined the Salt Satyagraha movement, which led to his imprisonment for almost two years.

He served as the Prime Minister of India from June 9, 1964 to January 11, 1966, with an illustrious career in politics. His slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” was an acknowledgement to the significant contribution made by the soldiers and farmers of India, the pillars on which the country’s security and economic growth stood. Soft spoken, humble, yet firm and responsible; his work in both pre- and post independent India speaks volumes of his character and integrity.

Before serving as the prime minister, Shastri had made major changes as a Transport Minister too. He introduced and provided for female drivers and conductors. Besides, as a Home Minister, he was instrumental in setting up the first committee for prevention of corruption. He was actively involved in ending the dowry and caste system. He was also accredited to the success of White Revolution for boosting milk production in the country.
“The basic idea of governance, as I see it, is to hold the society together so that it can develop and march towards certain goals.”
His career as a Prime Minister was unfortunately cut short due to his death at Tashkent, Uzbekistan (then a part of Soviet Union) in 1966. Although official records say that he died due to an heart attack, his death remains shrouded in mystery, given the unusual circumstances, with many conspiracies claiming that it was a deliberate attempt.
Posthumously, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1966. Many charitable and educational institutes are named after him in recognition of his national services. The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award is a prestigious award given to individuals who have achieved excellence in their profession, business, or social work.
Yet, in his thirty years of tenure of service to our country, he remains undoubtedly the leader with highest morals with a contribution that will keep us indebted forever.
“I am not as simple as I look.”

 

Birth Score – 4/5

 

Pride Score – 5/5
An impressive 9/10 Notable Brahmin Score.