Awakening to Nationalism of Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai, also known as Punjab Kesari, was a prominent leader of the Indian Independence Movement in the early 20th century. He was a firm believer in India’s freedom and worked tirelessly to achieve it. The awakening to the nationalism of Lala Lajpat Rai is a fascinating story that sheds light on the emergence of Indian nationalism.

Early Life and Education:

Lala Lajpat Rai was born on January 28, 1865, in the village of Dhudike, in the Punjab region of India. He was the eldest of his parents’ three sons and received his early education at the village school. Later, he attended the Christian Missionary School in Jalandhar, where he learned English and gained knowledge about Western culture. However, he soon became dissatisfied with the colonial education system and left the school to continue his education at home.
In 1880, Lala Lajpat Rai moved to Lahore to pursue higher education. He joined the Government College, Lahore, where he studied law. It was during this time that he became interested in politics and started attending political meetings and gatherings. He was particularly influenced by the ideas of Dayanand Saraswati, the founder of the Arya Samaj, and Swami Vivekananda, a prominent Hindu monk and philosopher.

Emergence of Nationalism:

The emergence of nationalism in India was a gradual process, and it was during Lala Lajpat Rai’s time in Lahore that he witnessed the emergence of this movement. He was particularly influenced by the Indian National Congress, which was the leading political party fighting for Indian independence from British rule.
Lala Lajpat Rai was a firm believer in India’s freedom, and he used his skills as an orator to deliver powerful speeches and to mobilize people for the Indian Independence Movement. He was also a strong advocate of non-violence, which he believed was the most effective way to achieve India’s freedom.

Contribution to Indian Nationalism:

Lala Lajpat Rai’s contribution to Indian nationalism was immense. He was one of the founders of the Indian National Congress and played an important role in the Swadeshi Movement, which aimed to promote Indian goods and boycott foreign products. He also participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Civil Disobedience Movement, both of which were led by Mahatma Gandhi.

In 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai played a leading role in the Simon Commission protest, which was a peaceful demonstration against the British Government’s decision to set up a commission to review India’s constitutional status. The protest turned violent, and Lala Lajpat Rai was severely injured. He succumbed to his injuries on November 17, 1928, becoming a martyr for India’s freedom struggle.

Conclusion:

Lala Lajpat Rai’s awakening to nationalism was a gradual process that was shaped by his education, exposure to Western culture, and his participation in political movements. He was a passionate advocate of India’s freedom and worked tirelessly to achieve it. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest leaders of the Indian Independence Movement, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians.