The Indian freedom movement is a cornerstone in our country’s history and many brave souls gave their lives during the struggle to gain freedom for our country. There are a plethora of inspirational stories that is embedded within the Indian freedom struggle and some of these stories can change how we perceive our lives and change our entire perspectives allowing us to expand our horizons. Some of the leading freedom fighters that we had are still inspirational figures who are immortalized through the lives they led and the sacrifices they made for the country. Many of these people had set great examples with their lives from which the younger generation and especially students can learn and take inspiration from. With us Indians all set to celebrate our 75th Independence Day, it is a great time for us to look back at some of the many exemplary individuals who fought for and gave us our freedom.

1. Savitribai Phule:

Starting off our list is none other than Savitribai Phule who is considered as the mother of Indian feminism. During the British rule in India, Savitribai Phule has played an important role in fighting for women's rights. She has been described as social reformer, educationalist, and poet by many and her ideals and will to never give up has immortalized her name in our country’s history. A connoisseur for women education movement in India, Savitribai Phule along with her husband founded one of the first Indian girls' school in Pune. And it is fitting that she is also seen as the first female teacher of India. The younger generation can learn a lot from the life of Savitribai Phule but the one thing that stands out from the rest is her unwavering determination to fight for equality even in the face of overwhelming odds.

2. B R Ambedkar:

B R Ambedkar or Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar who was adored as Babasaheb is one exemplary individual that needs no formal introduction. B R Ambedkar had adorned different positions during his time and he was an Indian jurist, economist, politician and social reformer. Apart from being a freedom fighter, Ambedkar a constant advocate for quality and fought constantly against the social discrimination towards the untouchables. Ambedkar was British India's Minister of Labour in Viceroy's Executive Council, he was the Chairman of the Drafting committee of the Indian Constituency, and independent India's first Minister of Law and Justice to mention a few. He is also considered as the father of the Indian Constitution and his ability to lead and guide the people around him is something that every one of us can learn from.

3. Dadabhai Naoroji:

He is widely regarded as the "Unofficial Ambassador of India" and "Grand Old Man of India". This inspiring individual was someone who was a popular figure in the Indian freedom struggle and his ideals gave shape to many important moments of the Indian freedom movement. Dadabhai was a political leader, merchant, scholar and writer. Apart from all this, he was also a Liberal Party Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom House of Commons and was the first prominent Asian to be a British MP over long periods of time. With that said, Naoroji is widely known for his time with the Indian National Congress and he was one of the founding members of the party.  It was also his book titled “Poverty and Un-British Rule in India” that brought attention to the theory of Indian "wealth drain" into Britain. Over the course of many years, Naoroji has been a visionary in the Indian freedom struggle and his leadership skills is somethings that anyone can take example of.

4. Bal Gangadhar Tilak:

Bal Gangadhar Tilak is an unavoidable figure in the Indian freedom movement and he was an was an Indian nationalist, teacher, and an independence activist. The British officials fittingly called him “The father of the Indian unrest” and he was also considered as the first leader of the Indian independence movement. Even, the father of our nation Mahatma Gandhi called Tilak as the “The Maker of Modern India". His principles and unquenchable thirst to gain back the freedom for our country also gave him the title of "Lokmanya" which translates to "accepted by the people (as their leader)". To this day, Tilak and his ideologies remain an inspiration to many young individuals across the world and that has cemented his immortality in the minds of his many supporters.   

5. Gopal Krishna Gokhale:

Gokhale was more than a political leader, freedom fighter and social reformer. He was a person who was able to inspire people around him and drive them forward. He was a senior leader of the Indian National Congress and he was also the founder of the Servants of India Society. He was also among the very minor fraction of the Indian National Congress that supported the idea of working with existing government institutions. Gokhale still remains a visionary figure for many and his ability to work seamlessly and lead his fellow countrymen is something that still serves as an inspiration for many.   

These five individuals is just a tip of the iceberg when it comes to naming the inspirational figures who fought for our freedom but for their unique ideas and abilities, these five was able to stand out form the rest and still serves as an inspirations for many individuals. The lives led by these people also acts as a book through which one can learn so many important things about life and self-actualization.