Biography of Lala Lajpat Rai

(1865 - November 17, 1928)

An ardent nationalist and dedicated social reformer whose achievements earned him the title of 'The Lion of Punjab' (Sher-e-Punjab), Lala Lajpat Rai was born in Ferozepur in 1865. He worked actively for the establishment of Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (D.A.V.) Colleges in Punjab.

He attended the Congress Conference in Prayag in 1888 at the age of 23. His extremist ideas were similar to Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal. In 1907, he was exiled for six months for his political activities. During his visit to USA, he founded the Indian 'Home Rule League' and also started a monthly paper 'Young India'. During these years he also wrote a book named 'Self Determination for India' and 'Unhappy India'. Lala Lajpat Rai was the founder editor of the Bande Mataram', 'The Punjabee' and "The People'. On October 30, 1928, he organised a black flag demonstration against the Simon Commission and received severe injuries. These injuries ultimately took his life on November 17, 1928.