Why is it in the news?
India paid tributes on his 95th martyrdom day (27 February 2026).
Highlights his revolutionary role in India’s freedom struggle.
Category: History
Important Points:
● Born as Chandra Shekhar Tiwari in 1906 at Alirajpur (present-day Madhya Pradesh)
● Joined Non-Cooperation Movement (1921) led by Mahatma Gandhi
● Declared his name as “Azad” before magistrate after arrest
● Joined Hindustan Republican Army (HRA) led by Ram Prasad Bismil and Sachindranath Sanyal
● Played key role in Kakori train robbery (1925)
● Co-founded Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928 with Bhagat Singh
● Masterminded assassination of John Saunders (1928) to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai
● Used pseudonym “Balraj” in HSRA pamphlets
● Died on 27 February 1931 at Alfred Park, Allahabad, after shooting himself