Ahead of Lala Lajpat Rai’s 159th birth anniversary, here are some of the most inspiring quotes by the legendary freedom fighter.
Born on January 28, 1865, Lala Lajpat Rai remains one of the most revered figures of India’s freedom struggle. Popularly known as ‘Punjab Kesari’, he dedicated his entire life to the cause of India’s independence and left behind a legacy rooted in nationalism, courage, unity, and sacrifice.
Lala Lajpat Rai was born in Dhudike, Punjab, into a Jain family. His liberal outlook and strong Hindu beliefs were deeply influenced by his parents and later shaped by the reformist ideas of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. These ideals guided his efforts to reform Indian society through politics, education, and journalism.
In 1880, he joined Government College, Lahore, to study law. During this period, he became actively associated with the Arya Samaj and went on to become the founder-editor of the Lahore-based Arya Gazette. Alongside Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, he formed the iconic nationalist trio ‘Lal-Bal-Pal’, which played a pivotal role in mobilising public opinion against British rule.
An influential leader of the Indian National Congress, Lajpat Rai participated in several political agitations in Punjab. In 1907, he was deported to Mandalay without trial but was released later that year due to lack of evidence. He was elected President of the Indian National Congress during the Calcutta Special Session in 1920.
In 1921, he founded the Servants of the People Society, a non-profit organisation aimed at national service. He is perhaps best remembered for leading the peaceful protest against the Simon Commission in 1928. During a brutal lathi charge, he was seriously injured. Addressing the crowd later, he famously declared:
“The blows struck at me today shall be the last nails in the coffin of British rule in India.”
He succumbed to his injuries and passed away on November 17, 1928.
Top 15 Inspiring Quotes by Lala Lajpat Rai
- “The only limits are those we place on ourselves.”
- “Serve the country with dedication and selflessness, and you will find your purpose.”
- “True patriotism demands a fearless attitude towards injustice.”
- “Education is the key to empowerment; it lights the path to progress.”
- “Strive for excellence in every endeavor, and success will follow.”
- “The strength of a nation lies in the character of its people.”
- “Freedom is not given; it is taken. Fight for your rights.”
- “Unity is our greatest asset in the journey towards a prosperous nation.”
- “Believe in yourself and your capabilities; you have the power to make a difference.”
- “Fearlessness is the first requisite of spirituality. Cowards can never be moral.”
- “Progress is not solely economic; it must encompass the well-being of every citizen.”
- “Live with integrity, and let your actions speak louder than words.”
- “Nationalism is an active principle. Politics is a passive principle.”
- “Work not for personal gain but for the collective welfare of society.”
- “Struggles may be painful, but they are the stepping stones to progress.”