The fight for India’s freedom was a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of countless individuals. Ram Prasad Bismil, a prominent figure in this struggle, is remembered on his 127th birth anniversary, which falls on June 11, 2025. He was a freedom fighter, poet, and revolutionary whose life was tragically cut short by the British, but whose legacy continues to inspire.
Born in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on June 11, 1897, Ram Prasad Bismil was the son of Murlidhar and Moolmati. He developed a strong affinity for literature and writing, and he was deeply committed to the principles of justice and righteousness.
Bismil’s journey into the freedom movement began when he was young. He joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), a group that sought to dismantle British rule and secure India’s independence. His involvement in the Kakori Conspiracy was a defining moment, where he and his comrades intercepted a train to obtain funds for their cause.
The British authorities arrested Bismil and handed down a death sentence. He was executed on December 19, 1927, at the age of 30. Beyond his revolutionary activities, Bismil was also a skilled poet, using his verses to express his love for India.
Notable among his patriotic poems are “Sarfaroshi Ki Tamanna,” “Mera Janm Hi Mar Mitne Ke Liye Hua Hai,” and “Man Ki Lahar.” The iconic lines, “Sarfaroshi ki tamanna ab hamare dil mein hai, dekhna hai zor kitna baazu-e-qatil mein hai,” became a rallying cry for young freedom fighters, encapsulating their determination.