Modi Pays Tribute To Chandrashekhar Azad, Lok Manya Tilak

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today remembered great freedom fighters Chandra Shekhar Azad and Bal Gangadhar Tilak on their birth anniversaries. Praising the leaders, Modi said they exemplified bravery and patriotism.

"One of the everlasting legacies of Lokmanya Tilak is the large scale Ganesh Utsav, which ignited a spirit of cultural consciousness among the people. During one of my Mumbai visits, I visited the Lokmanya Seva Sangh, which has a close association with Lokmanya Tilak," Modi tweeted, posting pictures of his visit.

"I bow to two great sons of Maa Bharti, Lokmanya Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversary. These two stalwarts epitomise courage and patriotism," he remarked.

Additionally, the prime minister posted video from a "Mann ki Baat" episode in which he honoured the two independence fighters. Azad, who was born in Uttar Pradesh in 1906 and headed a revolutionary network, vowed to avoid being apprehended by the British.

He committed suicide in 1931 after a run-in with the law, keeping to his word that he would always be "azad" (free). Tilak, who was born in 1856, was one of the first figures in the liberation movement to appeal to all of India.

The tribute to the freedom fighters also hold relevance in view of the Government of India's initiative "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" to celebrate 75 years of independence as well as the illustrious past of its people, culture, and accomplishments.

This Mahotsav is dedicated to the Indian people who, in addition to playing a key role in the country's progress to this point, also possess the strength and capacity to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of enabling India 2.0, fueled by the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.