Written By Vansh Goel

School: Heritage Xperiential Learning School, Gurugram

India’s struggle for independence was long and challenging. Many brave heroes fought against British rule to achieve the dream of independence. They overcame numerous challenges, ultimately making India a free country on August 15, 1947. As we celebrate Independence Day with joy and pride, we must actively remember the sacrifices made by these heroes.

Also read, Independent India’s Historic Milestones

1. Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi or the “Father of the Nation.” He played an important role in India’s fight for independence. Specifically, Mahatma Gandhi led a successful, non-violent resistance campaign against British rule. As a result, he became a source of inspiration for civil rights and freedom movements worldwide. For instance, he led the country in the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922, the Salt March in 1930, and the Quit India Movement in 1942. Through these efforts, Mahatma Gandhi made a significant impact on India’s freedom.

2. Rani Lakshmi Bai

Rani Lakshmi Bai, was known as the “Queen of Jhansi”.  She was an Indian queen and a warrior. She was one of the leaders of India’s First War of Independence in 1857 and became a symbol of resistance to the British East India Company’s rule in India.

3. Sarojini Naidu

Sarojini Naidu was both a prominent Indian political activist and a celebrated poet. In the struggle for India’s independence from British rule, she played an important role, especially during the Civil Disobedience Movement in 1930. Moreover, Mahatma Gandhi praised her poetry, calling her ‘the Nightingale of India’, or ‘Bharat Kokila’. Thus, she made significant contributions both as a leader and as a poet.

4. Dadabhai Naoroji

Dadabhai Naoroji was a prominent freedom fighter in India. Beyond his activism, he was also a social and political leader, an educationist, and a businessman. He was also known as the “Grand Old Man of India” and the “Unofficial Ambassador of India”. Naoroji made history as the first Indian elected to the British Parliament. His book, Poverty and Un-British Rule in India highlighted his theory of the Indian “wealth drain” into Britain, bringing significant attention to the issue.

5. Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru, originally a lawyer, was drawn to the freedom struggle. He joined Mahatma Gandhi’s nationalist movement during the Non-Cooperation Movement against British rule. As he became a key leader in the Indian National Congress, Nehru championed a non-violent struggle for India’s independence. Following independence, he took on the role of the first Prime Minister and delivered the famous speech ‘A Tryst with Destiny’. Nehru earned the title of ‘Architect of Modern India’ because he promoted scientific and social development. Additionally, he was known for his deep love for children, whom he viewed as the country’s bright future.

Watch the full video to learn more about Jawaharlal Nehru

6. Bal Gangadhar Tilak

Mahatma Gandhi called Bal Gangadhar Tilak the “Maker of Modern India”. Tilak was one of the earliest leaders in the Indian independence movement. In 1905, he initiated a boycott of British goods. Furthermore, he advocated Swaraj believing that true progress could only be achieved through self-rule. He famously declared, “Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!” Through these actions, Tilak significantly influenced the movement for India’s independence.

Thus to conclude, India’s independence was achieved through the efforts of many more revolutionary Indian freedom fighters like, Lal Bahadur Shastri, B.R. Ambedkar, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Aruna Asif Ali, K.M. Munshi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and Bhagat Singh among many others who took the lead in organizing the struggle which led to India’s independence.