Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

Also known as the 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi was the leader of India's freedom struggle. He not only led India to independence with his strict non-violence policy, but also inspired other such movements around the world. With a walking stick in one hand and a smile on his face, the Mahatma successfully heralded several events like the Quit India Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement.

Jawaharlal Nehru

The first Prime Minster of India, Jawaharlal Nehru associated himself with the Congress party to fight the British. Working as a barrister after returning from England, Nehru lost interest in his legal career and joined the freedom struggle instead. Nehru was a popular freedom fighter, especially with kids. His birthday is celebrated as Children's Day in the country.

Sarojini Naidu

A poetess, Sarojini Naidu not only joined the freedom struggle but led the movement as the first woman president of the Congress. The Nightingale of India was arrested many times and was once even locked up for 21 months! She took part in the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement as well.

Bhagat Singh

One of India's most significant revolutionaries, Shaheed Bhagat Singh laid down his life for the country while fighting for India's independence. Unlike Gandhi and Nehru, Singh advocated an aggressive approach. He threw bombs at the Central Legisltive Assembly and voluntarily got arrested. His fast unto death in police custody gained national support. He was hanged on March 23, 1931.

Chandrashekhar Azad

Born as Chandrashekhar Tiwari, he was known as Azad after he told the policemen that that was his name. Bhagat Singh's mentor, Azad was a powerful revolutionary and his presence and guidance in the freedom struggle gave it the right direction. Azad became an icon and his tales of bravery are legendary. A lot of films including Manoj Kumar's 'Shaheed' and Aamir Khans 'Rang De Basanti' have portrayed him a fierce character.

Lal Bahadur Shastri

India's second Prime Minister, Shastri joined the freedom struggle and followed the principles of Gandhi and Nehru. He joined the freedom struggle by participating in the Non-Co-operation Movement and the salt satyagraha. He later joined Congress and became the Prime Minister after Nehru's second term.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak

One of the first popular leaders of the independence movement, Lokmanya Tilak was one of the strongest advocates of Swaraj (self rule). His quote on the same, 'Swaraj is my birth right, and I shall have it!' became extremely popular. He travelled across the country to inspire people to believe in Swaraj and join the freedom movement.

Bipin Chandra Pal

A journalist, teacher and the chief architect of Bengal Renaissance movement, Pal was a prominent leader. He joined the Bramho Samaj and led protests aginst social evils. He joined the Swadeshi movement and his speeches inspired many others to follow his example.

Subhash Chandra Bose

Bose was one of the most dynamic heroes of India's freedom struggle. He formed the Indian National Army (INA) while in exile. The mystery behind his death has not cleared till date. While many believe that he died in a plane crash, most believe this is just a conspiracy theory.

Lala Lajpat Rai

Popularly known as Punjab Kesari, Lala Lajpat Rai was part of the Lal Bal Pal trio. He was an Indian author and politician, best known as a leader in the Indian independence struggle. He was elected President of the Congress party in the Calcutta Special Session of 1920. Police attacked a non-violent protest against the Simon Commission led by Lala in 1928. That caused severe injuries that Lala succumbed to three weeks later. His death anniversary (November 17) is one of several days celebrated as Martyrs' Day in India.