Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to freedom fighters Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries and hailed their contribution to the country’s independence movement.

On Tilak’s 163rd birth anniversary, the Prime Minister said a grateful nation will always remember his contribution.

He said, Lokmanya Tilak, a veteran freedom fighter devoted his life to Purn Swaraj.

Tilak was born on this day in 1856 in Chikali, Maharashtra.

Describing Azad as a “fearless and determined” freedom fighter, the prime minister said his sacrifice and bravery are a source of inspiration for the countrymen.

Azad was born on this day in 1906 in Bharva, Madhya Pradesh.