Biography of Lala Lajpat Rai: Early Life, Education, Career, and Contributions

Lala Lajpat Rai was a prominent revolutionary leader, politician, and author, famously known as “Punjabi Kesari” or the Lion of Punjab. A key figure in India’s independence movement, he was part of the influential trio of Lal Bal Pal, alongside Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal. His untimely death in 1928 resulted from injuries sustained during a peaceful protest against the Simon Commission.

Early Life of Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai was born on January 28, 1865, in Dhudike village, Punjab (now in Moga district), into a respected Agrawal Jain family. His father, Munshi Radha Krishna, was an Urdu and Persian teacher, and his mother, Gulab Devi, was known for her strong values. Lajpat Rai spent his early years in Jagraon, where his home is now a library and museum. He also founded the first educational institution, R.K. High School, in Jagraon.

Education of Lala Lajpat Rai

Lajpat Rai studied at Government Higher Secondary School in Rewari, where his father taught. In 1880, he enrolled at Government College in Lahore to study law. During his college years, he formed connections with patriots and future freedom fighters like Lala Hansraj. Inspired by the teachings of Swami Dayanand Saraswati, he joined the Arya Samaj movement and became the editor of the Arya Gazette.

Legal Career and Contributions

After completing his education, Lajpat Rai started practicing law in Hisar, Haryana, in 1886. He became a founding member of the Hisar Bar Council and worked actively on public welfare by establishing branches of the Indian National Congress and Arya Samaj. In 1892, he moved to Lahore and began practicing law at the Lahore High Court. Additionally, he contributed to newspapers like The Tribune and was involved in early institutions such as Punjab National Bank.

Political Journey of Lajpat Rai

Lajpat Rai’s political career began with his involvement in the Indian National Congress. He was deported to Mandalay by the British but was later released due to a lack of evidence. He then founded National College in Lahore, where future leaders like Bhagat Singh studied. In 1920, he was elected president of the Indian National Congress during the Calcutta Special Session.

In 1921, he founded the “Servants of the People Society” a welfare organization still active today. Rai focused on combating social issues such as caste discrimination, untouchability, and gender inequality.

Exile Struggles

After his deportation to Mandalay, Lajpat Rai traveled to Britain and then to the United States during World War I. He faced challenges, including a blacklisted passport that hindered his return to India. While in the U.S., he gave lectures, authored books like Young India, and raised funds for India’s independence.

Visit to the United States

During his stay in the U.S., Lajpat Rai founded the Indian Home Rule League in New York and started a monthly journal called Young India. He met influential leaders like Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois, drawing comparisons between caste discrimination in India and racial discrimination in the United States.

Protests Against the Simon Commission

In 1928, the British government sent the Simon Commission to India, which lacked Indian representation. This sparked widespread protests, and Lala Lajpat Rai led a peaceful march in Lahore on October 30, 1928, chanting “Simon Go Back!” The protest was met with violent police action, and Rai was severely injured in a baton charge led by James A. Scott. despite his injuries, Rai declared, “The blows struck at me today will be the last nails in the coffin of British rule in India.”

Death and Legacy of Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai never fully recovered from his injuries and passed away on November 17, 1928. His death profoundly affected India’s freedom struggle. Revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh vowed to avenge him, leading to further resistance against British rule.

Lala Lajpat Rai’s contributions to India’s independence and social reforms continue to be remembered. His bravery and commitment earned him the title “Punjab Kesari” and he remains an enduring source of inspiration.

In Conclusion

Lala Lajpat Rai's life exemplified unwavering bravery, selfless commitment, and profound patriotism, from his initial educational endeavors to his valiant leadership in the freedom movement. His impact on India's struggle for independence remains significant. Despite his premature demise, his influence persisted in inspiring subsequent generations of leaders and revolutionaries.

Lajpat Rai is now regarded not only for his involvement in the independence fight but also for his contributions to social justice and equality. The traits of resilience, vision, and patriotism are emphasized in his narrative appeal to individuals seeking transformation.