Lal Padmadhar Singh Baghel
Lal Padmadhar Singh Baghel (c. 1913 – 12 August 1942) was an Indian student revolutionary and freedom fighter from the princely Rewah State of Baghelkhand agency, now part of Madhya Pradesh. He is remembered for his martyrdom during the Quit India Movement, when he was shot while leading a student procession carrying the tricolor in Allahabad.
Early Life and Education
Lal Padmadhar Singh was born around 1913 in Kripalpur Garhi, a village in the Rewah State of the Baghelkhand Agency, now in Satna district, Madhya Pradesh. He belonged to the Baghel Rajput community.
He pursued his higher education at Allahabad University, where he stayed in the Hindu Boarding House. He was a B.Sc. student and became active in nationalist student activities during the Indian independence movement.
Role in Quit India Movement
On 12 August 1942, in the midst of the Quit India Movement, Lal Padmadhar Singh led a student procession in Allahabad. Holding the tricolor in his hand, he marched towards the British collectorate/court as a symbol of resistance.
The Collector, named Diction, was on horseback and ordered, “Shoot him alone,” referring specifically to Lal Padmadhar Singh. Undeterred, he raised slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Inquilab Zindabad”, his voice echoing with fierce determination.
At that moment, SP Agha drew his pistol and fired two bullets at close range into Lal Padmadhar Singh’s chest, killing him instantly.
Fellow student Natyendra Sehgal later recalled that Lal Padmadhar Singh had taken the flag from her when a police officer tried to snatch it, and he was marching forward with it when the bullets struck him.
He attained martyrdom at the young age of 29, sacrificing his life for the nation’s freedom and dignity.
Legacy
Lal Padmadhar Singh’s sacrifice is remembered as a heroic act of student resistance. He is recognized as a martyr of the Quit India Movement, particularly honored in Vindhya Pradesh (modern Madhya Pradesh).
His statue stands at Allahabad University, a tribute to his courage and commitment. The university community continues to commemorate his contribution to the freedom struggle.
References
- Who’s Who Of Indian Martyrs, Vol. I – Edited by P.N. Chopra
- Indian Revolutionaries 1757–1961, Vol. 4
- District Census – Satna
- Eyewitness Account: Natyendra Sehgal