Lal Lajpat Rai who is also known as the Lion of Punjab or Punjab Kesari was born on January 28, 1865. He was one of the chief leaders who led the Indian Independence movement with other national activists belonging to the Lakshmi National Bank and Punjab National Bank.
Lala Lajpat Rai was part of the famous Lal-Bal-Pal triangle in which Bal represented Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Pal represented Bipin Chandra Pal and Lal represented Lal Lajpat Rai. These three together fought for India’s independence and were deeply involved in the promotion of the Swadeshi movement.
Lala Lajpat Rai was involved in the formation of Punjab National Bank
He was involved in the formation of Punjab National Bank which to date is one of the biggest Indian operating banks. When he was studying Law in Lahore, he helped in establishing the Dayananda Anglo-Vedic School. His overall life shows that Lalaji was deeply influenced by Hinduism and brought reformation in many Indian policies taking insights from Hindu scriptures.
After passing the law, he later on became a legal practitioner at Hissar. His firm beliefs and the ability to stand for and support social causes made him one of the major pillars of Indian nationalism. When in 1928, the British government established a commission but gave no place to any Indian on the list. Lala Lajpat Rai did not like this move by the British government and took out a silent protest march.
In response, the British resorted to a lathi charge in which Lalaji was badly injured. Despite such injuries, Lalaji said, “I declare that the blows struck at me today will be the last nails in the coffin of British rule in India." The injuries were very serious and as a result, this Lion of Punjab died on November 17, 1928.
In Odisha, this day is remembered as Martyr’s day.