Nowadays, we live under a free sky where we enjoy fundamental rights. However, this was not always the case. Both India and South Korea faced significant hardships in the past as they struggled to achieve independence and secure the right to speak, vote, and choose their governments. The journey to freedom was arduous, and it was marked by the heroic efforts of individuals who played crucial roles in this struggle.
In today’s article, we will delve into the world of aspiration and bravery. Without further ado, let’s begin our exploration.
Indian Freedom Fighters
1) Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh was born in December 1907 in Punjab. He aimed to encourage revolution against British rule by rallying the peasants and workers. He was affected by the Jallianwalaa Bagh massacre in 1919 and the death of their leader Lala Lajpat Rai in 1928. He started throwing pamphlets and raised pro-revolutionary ideas and slogans. His slogan “Inquilab zindabad ‘ (long live the revolution) gave motivation to Indians. Bhagat Singh killed a British officer J.P.saunders and lobbed a bomb at the central legislative assembly in Delhi to protest the implementation of the Defence of India Act. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were sentenced to death and ordered to be hanged on March 23, 1931. This day is observed as Martyr’s Day in honor of these three freedom fighters. Their execution evoked a strong reaction from Indian people and motivated people to join the freedom struggle.
2. )Mahatma Gandhi
He is known as” Father of Nation’. He was born on October 2 , 1869, gujrat. He worked hard towards making India a secular nation. He led the Non Violence Movement against the British rule and fought for women’s rights, caste discrimination, nationwide compaigns for peasants, labourers and farmers. His “Dandi March movement ‘ made Indians believe that they could defeat the British. He was able to gather support from the farmers and masses. Many world leaders like Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, John Lennon consider Gandhi ideas. October 2 celebrated as Gandhi jayanti every year to pay tribute to The Father of Nation
3) Rani of Jhanshi
Rani of Jhansi also known as Rani lakshmi bai was born on November 19, 1828 in Varanasi. Her real name was Manikarnika. She is well known for her bravery in the freedom struggle against the British rule when Britishers sought to annexe Jhansi after the death of king of Jhansi fort. She was the one of the first woman freedom fighter of India who revolted against the Britishers. In 1858 revolt, Rani lakshmi bai died fighting Britishers tying her infant son on her back. She dressed as a soldier when she died . She is the symbol of course, heroism and women power.
4)Chandra Shekhar Azad
He was born on July 23, 1906 in Madhya Pradesh. He is a symbol of courage and hope for all Indians till date. He fought for the rights of all Indians regardless of their caste, religion, social status. He taught people always fight for justice and equality. He was arrested because he participated in the Non Cooperation Movement launched by Gandhi against British rule. He was a part of HRA(Hindustan Republican Association) , was a revolutionary organization of India in 1924. The group of young Patriots started looting government properties to meet their expenses for their revolutionary activities. He shot himself in a shootout with the police in 1931.
5). Sarojini Naidu
She is known as Nightingale or Bhartiya Kokila of India. She was born on February 13, 1879, Hyderabad . She was the first woman of indian origin to be appointed as governor of India. She was a poet , politian and activist . Through her speeches, writings , leadership, she played a significant role in Indian national movement and women empowerment in India she travelled abroad to raise awareness about India’s struggle for freedom and mobilized international support. He joined Ghandhi and other freedom fighters against the Britishers. Her courage, dedication, leadership inspired millions of indians as well as foreigners.
6) Subhash Chandra Bose
He is known as “Netaji ‘ , he was born on June 23, 1897 in odisha. He believed in the importance of a united india and self rule. Unlike Mahatma Gandhi, Bose believed in more forceful means of achieving independence. He formed alliances with the axis powers and sought international support such as Germany, Japan and to gain their support in the struggle against British colonialism. He was founder of Indian national army and attempted to create a fighting force to physically challenge British rule in India.
His famous slogan was ” you give me your blood I will give you freedom ‘ inspire the heart of millions even today.
Now let’s talk about the south Korean freedom fighters
1.) Yu Gwan Sun
She is known as “Korea’s Joan Of Arc’ . She was born on December 16, 1902 in Cheonan , Korean empire. She protest against Japanese Colonial Rule during March 1st Movement. She was an member of an organisation called Ewha Literary Society and she encouraged people to join the independence movement. She was arrested in Aunae Marketplace Demonstration in Seoul . She continued support for the independence movement even being severally punished and tortured in prison, and died on September 28 , 1920 from injuries and beating in prison at the age of 17. A huge amount of people took part in the protest after her death. She was awarded the Order Of Independence Merit in 1962. She set an example of courage and strength for many Korean people.
2) Ahn Jung Geun
He was born on September, 2 ,1879 in Haeju , Joseon. He is remembered as a martyr in both south korea and north korea for his 1909 assassination of the Japanese politician Ito Hirobumi , who was first prime minister of Japan and 1st Japanese residents general of Korea. Ahn devoted himself to the education of Korean people and also participated in the National Debt Repayment Movement. Ahn’s family produced many other Korean independence activities. He joined a Korean independence group and cut off the tip of his left right finger with 11 of his comrades as a sign of devotion to their country.
3) Yun Bong Gil
He was born on June 21, 1908 in Chugchong Province , Korean Empire. His art name was “Maeheon ‘.By 1926 , at the age of 20, he started to gather new knowledge and culture, at the same time making efforts for the stamping out illiteracy through the organization of night schools and reading clubs. He believed that rural development and the spirit of national independence could be achieved through having a healthy mind . He published several pamphlets and motivate people to take a part in freedom movements . He was executed by firing squad in 1932 because he killed two Japanese Colonial government and army officer in china . He was an inspiration for many people in china and South Korea at that time . His memorial were built in china, Japan and Korea.
4) Ahn Chang Ho
Chang ho was an Korean independence activist and he was the first Korean who legally immigrat to the United States. He was born on November,9,1878 in Joseon . He was the early leader of the Korean – American Immigrant Community in US. He is commonly referred ” Dosan ‘ ( mountain of knowledge) . He was arrested and imprisoned by the Japanese Colonial at least five times during anti – Japanese activism in Korea in 1909. He used to give speeches , promoting the independence association. It’s believed that Ahn chang ho is one of two men who written the lyrics of The Aegukga ( the south Korean national anthem) . He was praised by many people and many political leaders. He established prominent Korean independence organization Shinminhoe.
5) Kim gu
Kim gu is very famous and well known Korean politian and freedom fighters. He was born on August 29, 1876 in Haeju , Joseon. He was born in very poor farmer family and looked down upon by the community. He sacrifices his life for Korean independence even being tortured , jailed and permanently disfigured by Japanese authorities for his activities. In 1893 Kim joined Donghak movement, sought to introduce democracy, establishing human rights, and eliminating foreign interference. He was the leader of Korean reunification, the Korean independence movement and become the regional leader of Haeju. He was imprisoned for his killing of a Japanese army officer .He is also known as Kim ku and he also worked as president of Korea three times . In 1949 Kim was shotdead by a Korean soldier . His legacy is somewhat less enthusiastically celebrated in North Korea, due to his anti communist views . And he is mostly celebrated in morden south korea.
In conclusion, we should all cherish and respect our freedom, savoring every moment of it. No matter how much we discuss this topic, we can never fully grasp the immense sacrifices that were made to secure these freedoms.