Explanation:

Madan Lal Dhingra, a name synonymous with courage and sacrifice in the Indian independence movement, is commemorated the day he was executed in 1909 for assassinating a British official.  His life and actions have inspired generations, marking him as a pivotal figure in India's struggle for freedom.

Born on September 18, 1883, in Amritsar, Punjab, Dhingra hailed from a wealthy family.  Despite his affluent background, Dhingra was deeply influenced by the socio-political climate of his time and sought to challenge British colonial rule. In 1906, he traveled to England to study engineering at University College London, where he became involved with revolutionary circles, notably meeting Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a key figure in the Indian nationalist movement.

The Assassination of Curzon Wyllie

On July 1, 1909, during an event hosted by the National Indian Association at the Imperial Institute in London, Dhingra executed his plan to assassinate Sir William Hutt Curzon Wyllie, who was seen as an emblem of British oppression in India.

Armed with a Browning pistol gifted by Savarkar, Dhingra shot Curzon Wyllie at close range, killing him instantly. In the chaos that ensued, he also fatally wounded Dr. Cawas Lalcaca, who attempted to intervene.

Dhingra did not flee the scene; instead, he surrendered to the authorities and later represented himself during his trial at the Old Bailey. He openly declared his actions were motivated by patriotism and revenge for British atrocities against Indians. Despite recognizing the court's authority only nominally, he was sentenced to death.