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Yashpal: The Revolutionary Who Planted Bomb in Viceroy’s Train

Meet Yashpal, a writer, freedom fighter and a revolutionary.

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Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam & Purnendu Pritam

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Thousands of freedom fighters gave up their life for the cause of Indian independence. Everyone had their own method of struggle. Some took up arms, others chose the path of non-violence. But Yashpal belonged to a third kind. He was one of those who thought the pen is mightier than the sword.

Who Was Yashpal?

Yashpal was born on 3 December 1903 in Freozpur. His mother was a teacher. As a student in 8th grade, Yashpal started to get influenced by the ongoing freedom struggle. By the time he reached 10th grade, Yashpal had started making public speeches and used to wear a white kurta-pyjama.

After this, he went to Gurukul Kangri for higher study. It was here that Yashpal deviated from the morals of Arya Samaj. Later, he took admission in Lahore’s National College where he came in contact with Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Bhagwati Charan Vora.

It was in National College that Yashpal turned into a revolutionary. Yashpal setup a bomb on a train in 23 December 1929. Viceroy Lord Irwin was on board the train. The Viceroy survived the blast but many others were killed.

Yashpal was arrested in 1932. He stayed in jail for 6 years and was released in 1938 under the Congress ministry of Uttar Pradesh (UP). However, he was prohibited from returning to his home state Punjab.

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Yashpal’s Literary Work

During his time in jail, Yashpal started writing stories in Hindi. His first story collection was published in 1939 after he was released from jail.

Yashpal started living in Lucknow after being released from prison. He started a Hindi magazine by the name of ‘Biplab’ and an Urdu magazine by the name of ‘Baagi’. ‘Biplab’ was banned by the British government for its outspoken views. ‘Biplab’s’ edition about Chandrashekhar Azad was quite popular among the public.

Post-Independence Contribution to Literature

Yashpal went to jail even after the independence during a protest for civil rights and liberties. He was a strong writer and had travelled across the world. He wrote over 12 novels, the most popular among them is believed to be “Jhootha Sach” (A Truthful Lie). This novel was based on the partition of India and Pakistan.

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Yashpal also penned over 300 short stories. He also wrote multiple books and three traveller accounts. He was awarded Satiya Academy Award for his novel “Meri Teri Uski Baat” (Your, Mine and His views) just days before he passed away. Yashpal passed away on 26 December 1973. He was 73-year old.

(Chaman Lal is a retired professor from Jawaharlal Nehru university and a researcher on the life of Bhagat Singh and Yashpal.)

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