Patriotism means a noble sentiment of love, pride and sacrifice for the sake of one’s country and its people. A patriot is faithful to his country and works for its welfare and development. Patriotism is a virtue which encourages qualities of love, brotherhood and cooperation. A patriot works for the welfare of his/her country and makes efforts to bring about the development in all spheres.

There was a boy of twelve in the year 1918, during the freedom struggle. His name was Chandrashekhar Tiwari. Once, the boy was sitting in the class, after some time, he heard some slogans from outside. He took the permission from his teacher and went out to see what was happening. He saw a sage leading a group. Then he came to know that it was the freedom movement. Suddenly, there was a change in the situation. He saw some British officers attacking the crowd and hitting the sage. This young boy, who was observing all this, was very angry and decided not to keep quiet. He took a stone in his hand and hit the British officers. The policemen tried to catch the boy, but he escaped.

Next morning, the police went to Chandrashekar’s school and arrested the young boy. He was produced in the court. The judge asked the boy to tell his name. The brave boy told his name was ‘Azad’ which means free. The judge was shocked. He asked the boy to tell his father’s name. The boy replied by saying ‘Swadheenata’. Then the judge asked his question angrily, ”Tell me your address.” The boy laughed and replied that he liked to be in jail and that was his permanent address. Then the judge ordered the policemen to beat the boy with a wet rope made up of leather, 12 times. The boy said that it was a shame for his act to get only 12 strikes. He asked the judge to increase the punishment. But the judge refused and the boy was taken to the police station where he was beaten.

There, the policemen started beating the young boy. It was so hard, that the boy’s skin was torn. The boy did not have tears, he rather shouted loudly ‘Vande Mataram’. At every beat, his voice increased. He was badly hurt and bruised. He was given ’12 paise’ to put bandage on his wounds. The boy exclaimed that the money should be given to Queen Victoria and let her know that it was given by a young Indian patriot.

The boy was none other than the great legend ‘Chandrashekhar Azad’.