Shrey Awasthi
During the Indian freedom struggle, the hills of Himachal Pradesh didn’t remain silent spectators as several tales of patriotism and valour were scripted here. Among these hills, Kangra made its presence felt due to its strategic location.
While the names of national leaders echo in every Independence Day celebration, several Himachali warriors remain unsung, their stories buried under layers of time.
Farmers, soldiers, students and even monks of Kangra stood shoulder to shoulder in defiance against the British rule. The famous among them are:
Veer Senani Pandit Kanshi Ram
Born in the heart of Kangra, Pandit Kanshi Ram was a firebrand revolutionary inspired by Ghadar Party’s ideals. He travelled abroad, mobilised Indian expatriates and returned to India with the mission of overthrowing the British. Arrested multiple times, his unshakable commitment symbolised Kangra’s fearless spirit. Though his name rarely appears in school textbooks, in local folklore he remains an immortal hero.
Lala Mohan Lal — The silent organiser
A resident of Palampur in Kangra, Lala Mohan Lal did not fight with swords or guns but his weapon was organisation and information. He acted as a key link between underground revolutionaries in Punjab and local patriots in Kangra. Through secret meetings and coded letters, he kept the resistance network alive despite constant surveillance. His discreet role reminds us that not all battles are fought on open fields, but some are also waged in whispers and shadows.
Sardar Sant Ram, a soldier-turned-rebel
Hailing from a family with a long military tradition, Sardar Sant Ram served in the British Indian Army but resigned when he witnessed the injustice of colonial policies. Joining the freedom movement, he led protests in rural Kangra, motivating villagers to reject colonial taxes and join the national cause. His fiery speeches under the shade of deodar trees became legendary in local memory.
Himachal’s women warriors from Kangra
Freedom in Kangra was not won by men alone. Brave women like Shanti Devi of Nurpur and Dhan Devi of Palampur acted as messengers, shelter providers and morale boosters for underground revolutionaries. In a conservative era, these women broke barriers, proving that patriotism knows no gender.
In the current political landscape, remembering Kangra’s contribution to the freedom struggle is not just an act of respect but a strategic reaffirmation of Himachal’s role in shaping India’s destiny. For leaders representing Himachal, invoking these stories strengthens regional pride, builds political connect with the youth and reinforces the idea that national service is woven into Himachali DNA.
As India celebrates its 79th Independence Day, Kangra’s unsung heroes call upon us to ensure that their sacrifices are not footnotes in history but chapters of inspiration. From the bustling markets of Dharamshala to the quiet monasteries of Bir, their legacy continues to live even today, urging the present generation to serve with the same honesty, courage and selflessness.
