Lala Lajpat Rai

Lala Lajpat Rai stands out as one of the foremost champions in the struggle for India’s independence. Born on January 28, 1865, in the small village of Dhudike in the Ferozepur District of Punjab, he embarked on a distinguished academic journey before qualifying as a lawyer and commencing his practice in Hissar in 1883. Rai swiftly rose to become the leading lawyer in the district.

His fervent spirit rebelled against British colonial rule, leading him to dedicate his life to the cause of freedom. Joining the Indian National Congress in 1888, he was dispatched to England in 1905 to advocate for responsible government for Indians. Despite facing exile to Burma for his political activities upon his return to India, Rai remained steadfast in his commitment to the struggle.

In 1914, he traveled to England again as part of a Congress delegation and later spent time in the United States, propagating the cause of responsible government in India. Rai’s unwavering dedication to the political emancipation of his people transcended his associations with different political parties throughout his lifetime.

An epitome of sincerity and courageous determination, Rai’s spirit revolted against injustice in all its forms, propelling him to the forefront of protests and dissent. In 1928, when the Simon Commission visited India to propose political reforms, Rai led the agitation against it in Punjab. Tragically, during a protest procession in Lahore against the Commission’s visit, he was struck by blows from a police baton on October 30, 1928, ultimately succumbing to his injuries on November 17, 1928.

In honor of Lala Lajpat Rai’s birth centenary on January 28, 1965, the P. & T. Department takes pride in issuing a commemorative stamp, recognizing his legacy as a valiant freedom fighter, social reformer, and humanitarian.