Tributes flowed across India on Lala Lajpat Rai’s birth anniversary, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and chief ministers invoking the freedom hero’s enduring spirit. The ‘Lion of Punjab’ remains a symbol of sacrifice and resolve.
Shah’s poignant X message read: Rai’s ultimate sacrifice unified the freedom fight, becoming a beacon for Bhagat Singh and others. His visions for social progress, learning, and economic independence define his immortal legacy.
UP’s Yogi Adityanath hailed him as a peerless patriot and social reformer. ‘Rai’s heroic dedication to Swadeshi and the nation inspires selfless service,’ he posted, calling it a timeless heritage.
In Delhi, Rekha Gupta remembered Rai’s simplicity and strength. His pushes for indigenous goods, harmony, education, and economic uplift for the vulnerable continue to guide public service, she noted.
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini declared: ‘Crores of salutes to the independence titan whose anti-Simon stand fans patriotic fires.’ Rai’s nation-building imprint is indelible.
Historically, Rai’s activism spanned Partition of Bengal protests, Home Rule League support, and Hindu Sabha leadership. Exiled to Mandalay for sedition, he returned fiercer. His 1928 death from protest injuries sparked revolutionary reprisals. These modern accolades highlight how Rai’s principles of Swadeshi and unity fuel India’s journey toward Atmanirbhar Bharat, blending past valor with future aspirations.