Question

What were the contributions of Lala Lajpat Rai in National Movement? Discuss in brief.

Answer 1

Lala Lajpat Rai (1865—1928) known as Sher-i-Punjab (Lion of Punjab) was a fearless leader. Born in 1865 he joined the Congress in 1888. When there was a split in the Congress in 1907, he joined the radicals.
(i) While in USA, he started a newspaper called the Young India. He also wrote books such as the Aryasamaj, Englands debt to India and the Political future of India. Through his writings he preached radical nationalism, inspired the Indian youth and kindled the fire of patriotism in them.
(ii) He transformed the freedom struggle into the agitation of the millions and the common masses. He through his speeches and writings accelerated its pace and widened its base, he presided over historic session of the Congress in 1920. It was here that the resolution of “Non-Cooperation” was adopted by the Congress.
(iii) He supported Gandhiji’s proposal and spread the message of non-cooperation throughout India.
(iv) He led the demonstration against the Simon Commission. He was assaulted by a British Sergent in the ensuing lathi charge and could not recover from it. He sacrificed his life so that India could win its freedom. Before his death he said, “Lathi blows inflicted on me would prove one day as nails in the coffin of the British Empire.”