Kicking off the list is the classic ‘Shaheed’ from 1965. Though centered on Bhagat Singh, Manmohan’s nuanced portrayal of Azad stole scenes, etching the character into cinematic history.

The year 2002 was a banner for Azad depictions. In ’23rd March 1931: Shaheed,’ Sunny Deol’s commanding Azad paired brilliantly with Bobby Deol’s Bhagat Singh, delivering a gritty tribute to their bond. Sunny’s ‘Indian’ later echoed Azad’s spirit in its narrative arc.

Akhilendra Mishra shone as Azad in ‘The Legend of Bhagat Singh,’ directed by Rajkumar Santoshi. The film masterfully balanced both revolutionaries’ contributions, earning critical praise.

Who can forget Aamir Khan in ‘Rang De Basanti’? The 2006 sensation wasn’t just about songs; it was a rallying cry inspired by Azad’s legacy, smashing box office records from a modest budget to massive returns.

Independent cinema stepped up recently with ‘Hero of Nation Chandrashekhar Azad’ in 2022, meticulously researched over a year and a half, and ‘Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad’ from 2020, led by newcomer Rishabh Raj under Rajesh Mittal’s direction. These films highlight that Azad’s story resonates beyond mainstream glitz.

On his martyrdom anniversary, these cinematic gems reignite the revolutionary fire in every viewer, honoring a man who lived and died for Swaraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the event as an ‘extraordinary initiative’ via a repost on X, noting how it brilliantly highlights Rajagopalachari’s multifaceted contributions to the nation. He extended a personal invitation: ‘Join this utsav and let it inspire you.’

Drawing from his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast just a day prior, Modi articulated the nation’s progress in discarding slavery’s symbols in favor of cultural rootedness. He positioned the ‘Rajaji Utsav’ as a landmark effort by Rashtrapati Bhavan. Echoing his Red Fort speech on the five vows for Amrit Kaal, he reiterated the need to shed the slave mentality.

As the last Governor-General appointed by the British but the first Indian to hold the post post-independence, Rajagopalachari viewed governance as service, not authority. His austere lifestyle and bold, independent ideas remain beacons for public servants today. PM Modi pointed out the irony: British figures adorned Rashtrapati Bhavan for decades, sidelining patriots like Rajaji.

Running through March 1 starting February 24, the festival promises immersive exhibits on Rajaji’s journey—from freedom fighter to statesman. It’s a timely reminder of the values that shaped modern India, encouraging citizens to reconnect with their heritage amid rapid modernization.

Barin Ghosh, Ullaskar Dutt, and Hemchandra Kanungo exemplified defiance. Ghosh built secret bomb factories and networks through Jugantar and Anushilan groups. Dutt crafted the explosives, and Kanungo imported revolutionary know-how from Europe.

Sentenced to lifelong exile after trials exposing their anti-colonial plots—including the Muzaffarpur bombing—they faced Kala Pani’s brutal regime without flinching. Solitary confinement, back-breaking toil, and isolation tested their spirits, but mercy petitions? Never.

‘They fought the British empire without deals or surrender,’ Banerjee declared. Their story contrasts sharply with compromised figures in independence lore.

The 1908-1909 Alipore trials gripped Calcutta, charging revolutionaries with conspiracy, bomb-making, and regicide attempts. Death penalties for key figures were later reduced, but the punishment was eternal.

Banerjee revealed 46 Bengalis among the jail’s pioneer prisoners. His speech reignites calls to celebrate Bengal’s uncompromising revolutionaries, ensuring their legacy endures in classrooms, memorials, and national memory.

The photo exhibition also displays information on public welfare schemes, including Chhattisgarh on the path of progress, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Krishi Unnati Yojana, Mahtari Vandan Yojana, Vishnu’s Good Governance-Dialogue to Solution, Sushasan Tihar Chhattisgarh Anjor, the state’s first Tribal Museum, the path to a golden future, industrial policy, the new education policy for a bright future, and Hamar Hara Sona, the basis of prosperity in the Vananchal region. This seven-day exhibition is open to the public free of charge from 10:30 am to 8 pm until August 21.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the photo exhibition based on the lives of Chhattisgarh’s freedom fighters on Independence Day. A large number of students and common citizens are visiting the exhibition, viewing and appreciating it. A quiz competition based on the history and general knowledge of Chhattisgarh is also being organized for children, in which children from various schools and hostels in Raipur have actively participated and answered questions related to the general knowledge of Chhattisgarh.

Silky Dhruv, a 12th-grade student from Saraswati Nagar Nigam School Nayapara, said that she got the opportunity to participate in such an event for the first time. Such events provide students with important information about the contribution of Chhattisgarh’s freedom fighters and general knowledge related to the history of Chhattisgarh, along with their studies. Similarly, Lokesh Patre, an 8th-grade student of Shaheed Memorial Government Upper Secondary School, said that it was the first time he participated in a quiz competition and also won a prize. Along with this, the hesitation of sharing the stage was also removed.

Yogesh Dewangan, the superintendent of the residential hostel Mathpureina, who came to see the exhibition, said that such events are providing a golden opportunity for the new generation to become well acquainted with the glorious history of Chhattisgarh and the contribution of freedom fighters. He said that photo exhibitions and activities like quizzes are informative and very useful for children, and they are getting rare information about the brave pioneers of Chhattisgarh.