India’s political heavyweights came together on Wednesday to honor Lala Lajpat Rai, the Punjab Kesari whose sacrifices fueled the freedom flame. Marking his jayanti, tributes poured in, celebrating a life of valor that shaped the nation’s destiny.
Leading the homage, Amit Shah posted on X: ‘Lala Lajpat Rai’s martyrdom wove unity into the independence struggle’s fabric, inspiring armed icons like Bhagat Singh.’ Shah also saluted Rai’s reforms in society, education, and economic fortitude for a sovereign India.
Echoing this, Yogi Adityanath called Rai a monumental freedom warrior and Swadeshi champion. ‘His boundless courage and patriotic life guide us to prioritize the nation eternally,’ the UP leader affirmed.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta depicted Rai as valor incarnate. She credited his efforts in Swadeshi, social integration, education, and uplifting the needy economically as beacons lighting India’s path forward.
Nayab Singh Saini of Haryana bowed deeply: ‘To the fearless Punjab Kesari, whose Swaraj devotion and Simon Commission roar ignite patriotism today.’ He stressed Rai’s irreplaceable role in building the republic.
Delving deeper, Lala Lajpat Rai (1865-1928) was a lawyer-turned-activist, part of the extremist triumvirate with Lala Hansraj and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. His Arya Samaj affiliations drove social reforms, while his writings and leadership in Punjab politics challenged British might. The lathi blows he endured protesting the all-white Simon Commission proved fatal, avenged by Bhagat Singh’s Lahore Conspiracy. As leaders reflect, Rai’s legacy urges ongoing commitment to self-reliance and unity.