
_11zon.jpg)

The proverb ‘A spark can start a great fire� is proved right by our Freedom Fighters. This 78th Independence Day, let’s celebrate by remembering the immense love they had for our motherland India.
India is not only rich in diversity and culture but also rich in history. Back in the day, India was known as the Golden Bird due to its abundance of resources. Throughout its history, despite British dominance, India's wealth and majesty attracted enemies from all over the world. India ultimately declared independence from colonial dominance in 1947 after a protracted fight. Numerous freedom fighters of India have shed a lot of blood and effort to protect our country's glory, while some even gave their lives to attain independence. India Gate in Delhi was built as an homage to the millions of heroic freedom fighters who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today.
Independence Day 2024 Theme
The theme for the 79th Independence Day celebrations is "Honouring Freedom, Inspiring the Future". This powerful message reminds us to reflect on the sacrifices of our freedom fighters while also taking pride in building a stronger, united, and progressive India. It is not just about remembering the past; it’s about carrying forward the values of courage, patriotism, and responsibility into the future.
As we approach 15th August, let’s pay tribute to the top 15 freedom fighters of India who gave everything for the nation's future. We have compiled a list of the top 15 Indian Independence freedom fighters to honour their bravery and dedication. Without their struggle, the India we live in today would not have been possible.
This year’s theme encourages every citizen to celebrate India’s journey from 1947 to 2025, not just through festivities, but by remembering how freedom came at a high cost of blood, sweat, and sacrifice. "Honouring Freedom, Inspiring the Future" serves as a reminder that Independence Day is not just a celebration but also a call to uphold national unity, respect our heroes, and contribute to the country’s future with pride and purpose.
Ìý
Also known as the Iron Man of India and Bismarck of India, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was one of the famous Indian freedom fighters renowned for his bravery and epic from a very young age. Initially a lawyer, Sardar Patel left the legal profession to fight for India's independence from British control. Following India's independence, he was appointed as the country's Deputy Prime Minister and worked tirelessly to bring princely states into the Union of India. He also received the honorary Bharat Ratna Award for his hard work and dedication.
Ìý
Popularly known as Chacha Nehru, he adored kids very much and his birthday is celebrated as Children’s Day. Nehru, who started out as a lawyer, became one of the most famous freedom fighters of India and politician. Mahatma Gandhi's attempts to free India from the British had a big impact on his fervour for the country's independence. He participated in the war for freedom, rose to the position of President of the Indian National Congress, and finally was appointed the country's first Prime Minister upon independence.
Ìý
â€�Father of the Nation,"Ìý Mahatma Gandhi earned the name because of his great (mahan) deeds, like non-violent movements. He married Kasturba when he was 13 and studied law in London before traveling to South Africa to practice law. There, he was inspired to fight for human rights by seeing racial discrimination toward some Indians. Gandhi fervently joined the liberation struggle after seeing how India was being ruled by Englishmen. One of the most influential freedom fighters of India, Mahatma Gandhi led various non-violent protests against the British people in his quest for independence, including the "Dandi March" movement, which he took on his bare foot to remove the salt tax.
Ìý
Lal Bahadur Shastri was born in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, in 1904. When he finished his studies at Kashi Vidyapeeth, he received the title "Shastri" Scholar. He was one of the most impactful freedom fighters of India who joined the Mahatma Gandhi-led Salt Satyagraha campaign, the Civil Disobedience movement, and the Quit India movement as a silent but active liberation warrior. Being an independence freedom fighter he spent a lot of time behind bars. He held the office of Home Minister upon India's independence before being elected as the second Prime Minister of India in 1964. The most popular phrase �Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan� was coined by him in 1965.
Ìý
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the creator of the Indian Constitution and the free country's first president, comes in second on the list of the most famous freedom fighters in India. He was a fierce advocate for Mahatma Gandhi. In 1947, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who served as India's first president from 1950 to 1962, saw his goal come true. He was also among the first Indian presidents to be elected to two consecutive terms. He raised money for Searchlight and Desh during the Independence Movement while also contributing articles to these periodicals. In 1962, Prasad also received the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honor.
Ìý
Subhas Chandra Bose, one of the bravest freedom fighters of India also known as Netaji, was born in Orissa. He may have been shaken by the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and forced to leave England for India in 1921. He became a member of the Indian National Congress and participated in the Civil Disobedience Movement. He sought assistance in Germany after becoming dissatisfied with Gandhi Ji's Non-Violence Method of Freedom and finally founded the Azad Hind Government and Azad Hind Army, now known as the Indian National Army (INA), where he trained and supervised all freedom fighters.
Ìý
Lala Lajpat Rai, also known as �Punjab Kesari�, was an Indian author and one of the bravest national heroes of India. He was an extreme member of the Indian National Congress and a member of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio. He rose to prominence in 1920 as a result of his leadership of the Punjab Protest and the Non-Cooperation Movement after the Jalliawala Bagh event. He passed away in 1928 during a Simon Commission protest after a harsh British Lathi charge.
Ìý
Bhagat Singh was a well-known revolutionary, and a contentious & my personal favourite Freedom Fighter for India who eventually died as a proud martyr for his nation. He was born in Punjab in a Sikh family of independence warriors. Since he was a naturalized citizen, he joined the non-Cooperation movement in 1921. To foster patriotism in Punjabi youth, he founded the "Naujawan Bharat Sabha." The Chauri-Chaura Massacre changed him completely. At the age of 23, he was hung to death by British colonizers. His enduring nickname is "Shaheed (martyr) Bhagat Singh." Freedom fighter Bhagat Singh popularized the term "Inquilab Zindabad", and it eventually became the anthem of the Indian independence struggle.
Ìý
He was the first freedom fighter in the country. Despite being a soldier in the British Army, he rebelled when he learned that the cartridges the soldiers were given were lubricated with pig fat. For the first time, Mangal Pandey inspired Indians by introducing the phrase "Maro Firangi Ko." His uprising served as the catalyst for the first liberation struggle. He was one of the earliest rebels to motivate young Indian soldiers to start the 1857 Great Rebellion, Indian Mutiny, also called India's First War of Independence.
Ìý
Nana Sahib, who headed a band of fervent rebels, made a crucial contribution to the 1857 insurrection. By slaughtering the force's survivors, he overran the British soldiers in Kanpur and threatened the British camp. In addition to being bold and brave, Nana Sahib was a talented administrator who organized and oversaw thousands of Indian warriors. He is one among the best freedom fighters of India.
Ìý
Bipin Chandra Pal,one of the most important freedom fighters of India, passionately advocated for Swaraj (self-rule) and Swadeshi (self-reliance). As part of the influential Lal-Bal-Pal trio, he inspired public sentiment against British colonialism through his compelling speeches, writings, and editorial work. Pal's strong nationalism and ability to inspire the masses played a crucial role in awakening a strong sense of national identity and resistance among Indians.
Ìý
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, known as the 'Father of Indian Unrest', was among the most passionate freedom fighters of India. His famous declaration, "Swaraj is my birthright and I shall have it," inspired and mobilized the Indian people. Tilak's leadership and efforts were instrumental in the formation of the All India Home Rule League, which played a crucial role in pushing for India's independence from British rule through widespread grassroots activism.
Ìý
Sarojini Naidu, the 'Nightingale of India', was a renowned poet and influential activist. She played a vital role in the civil disobedience and Quit India movements, leading protests and inspiring many. Naidu made history as the first woman president of the Indian National Congress and later as the first woman governor of an Indian state, contributing significantly to India's struggle for independence and post-independence governance. SheÌý is the most underrated freedom fighters of India who made great efforts for our nation.
Ìý
Chandra Shekhar Azad was one of the dynamic freedom fighters of India and a key member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He actively participated in several anti-British activities, most notably the Kakori Train Robbery. Known for his unwavering commitment to freedom, Azad famously declared he would never be captured alive by the British. True to his word, he died in a dramatic shootout with the police, solidifying his legacy as the most fearless freedom fighters of India.
Ìý
Rani Lakshmibai, the valiant Queen of Jhansi, played a pivotal role in the 1857 Indian Rebellion against British rule. Renowned for her exceptional bravery and strategic intelligence, she led her forces with remarkable courage. Her fierce resistance and defiant spirit made her an enduring symbol of India's fight for freedom, inspiring countless others to join the struggle against colonial oppression and fight for their homeland's independence.
Summing Up:
As we celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day in 2025, we proudly look back at 79 years of freedom, earned through the unwavering courage and sacrifices of our freedom fighters. Their brave actions laid the foundation of a free nation and continue to inspire us to protect and uphold the values they fought for.
This year’s theme, "Honouring Freedom, Inspiring the Future," encourages every citizen to remember the past while contributing to the progress of tomorrow. It’s a reminder that patriotism is not just about celebration but also about responsibility, unity, and purpose.
At Wooden Street, we believe in supporting India’s cultural pride through thoughtful design and innovation. As a brand rooted in Indian values, we are committed to building a future that reflects our heritage and the dreams of a stronger nation.
Jai Hind!Ìý
We will be back with the next blog soon; till then, stay tuned!
Ìý
Image Source: Pinterest, Google, and Wooden Street
Related BlogsÌý
Women Freedom Fighters of India
15+ ‘Firsts� by Indian Women Who have Made the Nation Proud
Independence Day Decoration Ideas for Every Corner of Your Space
QWho was the first female freedom fighter of India?
ARani Lakshmibai of Jhansi is considered the first female freedom fighter of India. She bravely led her army against British forces during the Revolt of 1857, becoming a symbol of resistance and women's valor in India’s independence movement.
QHow did freedom fighters influence modern India?
AFreedom fighters shaped modern India by laying the foundation of democracy, unity, and self-rule. Their sacrifices inspired the Constitution, social reforms, and national identity, influencing India's values of secularism, equality, and commitment to justice and development.
Q How can we honor the contributions of Indian freedom fighters today?
AWe can honor their legacy by preserving historical sites, educating the youth about their stories, actively participating in nation-building, and upholding democratic values. Celebrating national days with respect and awareness also keeps their sacrifices alive in public memory.
QWhy is Bhagat Singh remembered among Indian freedom fighters?
ABhagat Singh is remembered for his fearless fight against British rule and his revolutionary ideas. His bold actions, writings, and martyrdom at just 23 made him a national hero and an enduring symbol of youth-led resistance and patriotism.
Articles you will love to read