Freedom Fighters, Sri Muktsar Sahib

Freedom Fighter Sh Jagat Singh Azad was born on the 14th of May, 1919 to Thaman Singh, and Kishan Kaur of Lakhewali Village, Muktsar. At a very young age, he learnt about the atrocities/oppression committed by the alien British Government against the Indian masses. While in school, he got acquainted with the Indian freedom movement which inspired him to fight for the cause.  He soon started attending meetings, and rallies held around the struggle for freedom, and formally joined the movement while still in his youth. With his activities being regularly monitored, and  reported, the British Police frequently raided his residence, owing to which he had to take clandestine alternatives. Being a stage poet involved in educating the masses on the freedom movement, he was closely tracked by the British Government. Azad led the Praja Mandal movement in Muktsar, composed, and recited several odes in the memory of those who laid down their lives for the country’s freedom. Instrumental in imbibing the masses with the spirit of patriotism, he was arrested, and imprisoned in Multan for 51 days. Post-Independence, Azad worked with the Public Relations Department, and went on to author several books on the freedom movement. As a recognition of his invaluable contributions, he was honoured with ‘Tamra Patra’ by the Government of India on the 15th of August, 1972. He passed away on the 21st of June, 1991. His family continues to remain actively engaged in preserving his legacy of patriotism.Source of Information’ (with proper reference):- Information collect from the family members of Sh. Jagir Singh Azad.

Labh Singh, resident of village Madhir in Sri Muktsar Sahib came forward to fight against the British Government in the year 1924. He was part of Indian agitators supporting Gurudwara Sudhar Lehar. He enthusiastically participated in the Jaitu Da Morcha and refused to budge despite the repeated blows of the British during the Morcha. He contributed his every bit in the fight for freedom of India.

Harbans Lal, from Gidderbaha participated in Parja Mandal Lehar. He was a valiant freedom fighter and actively participated in the movement launched by the Indian people to fight against the British government. He was committed to the cause of freedom and took part in every activity of Parja Mandal during the years between 1942 to 1946.

Maan Sant Baba Mehar Singh of Alipur was a freedom fighter who stood against the British and participated in different Morchas’. He took part in the Bhai Feru Morch, Jallianwala Bagh Morch, Kisan Morch and also in the Quit India Movement. He played a vital role and encouraged many others to participate in Many Movements to release India from the clutches of Britishers.

Nihal Chand, of Sri Muktsar Sahib participated in the Quit India Movement in the year 1942. He was a part of the movement which proved instrumental in the freedom of India. Without any fear, he joined the Movement and went to every protest and after independence his services for the country were recognised and was declared freedom fighter.

Swaran Singh Sandhu of Lubanianwali was an active member of Azad Hind Fauj. He fought against the British army-men under the leadership of Subhash Chandra Bose. Without any pressure of fear he went to fight against the British. He was an active member of the Fauj from the year 1942 to 1946.

Mata Harbans Kaur is widely regarded as the first woman freedom fighter of Sri Muktsar Sahib district. She is known for her association with the Women’s Wing of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Azad Hind Fauj/Indian National Army.Mata Harbans Kaur was born on the 28th of December, 1926 in Myanmar (then Burma) to Narayan Singh, and Nand Kaur. While still in school, Kaur was imbued with a sense of patriotism inspired by the Azad Hind Fauj, and Netaji’s rousing war cry of “Give me blood, and I shall give you freedom”. Kaur joined the Women’s Wing of the Azad Hind Fauj while still in her youth, under the leadership of Captain Lakshmi Sahgal. She went on to attend the women’s camp in Rangoon (now Yangon) for three months. After independence, her family settled in Patiala in 1948, and she got married in 1949 with Subedar Atma Singh Brar, an army officer from Muktsar. After moving to Muktsar, Kaur dedicated her life to the field of education. She passed away on January 23rd, 2004.

Variyam Singh, resident of Khunnan Khurd village among those who chose to pick up weapon against the oppressive behaviour of the Britishers during the freedom struggle. He joined Azad Hind Fauj under the command of Subhash Chandra Bose. He worked for the Fauj from 1942 to 1946.