Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: Madan Lal Dhingra was an Indian revolutionary executed at the age of 24, for assassinating British official Curzon Wyllie. On his 114th death anniversary, a massive memorial is being inaugurated in Amritsar, where he hailed from.
- Despite being born into a family with pro-British views, Dhingra’s exposure to nationalist sentiments in Lahore and London ignited his patriotism. He protested against British policies, was expelled from college, and engaged in revolutionary activities.
- In London, he joined Vinayak Savarkar’s Abhinav Bharat Mandal and participated in discussions at India House, a hub for Indian nationalists.
- On July 1, 1909, Dhingra shot and killed Wyllie during an event. During his trial, Dhingra defended his actions as justifiable in the context of fighting against British oppression.
He was found guilty and executed on August 17, 1909, in London. Dhingra’s remains returned to India in 1976, and a memorial was erected in Amritsar’s Golbagh area to honour his sacrifice.
