Martyrs

When I was in school, all students will be asked to stand in silence at 11 AM on the 30th January every year, as a mark of respect to the Martyrs and as observance of Martyrs day. I am not sure whether this practice is still in vogue in Schools and Colleges. I woke up this morning to be reminded of the significance of this day and as there are no one around this time at home, I thought let me atleast attempt to name some of the martyrs that come to my mind immediately  - of course without referring to internet resources. I could instantly come up with Mahatma Gandhi,  Kattabomman, Bhagath Sigh, Tirupur Kumaran, Vallabhai Patel, and VOC:

Let me also say as to why I consider them as martyrs:

Gandhi:  Dedicated his lifetime to the cause of the nation

Kattabomman: Resisted the British rule - Waged a war against the British even before the war of Independence - captured and hanged

Bhaghat Sigh: Freedom fighter executed for his firm beliefs . Refused to marry and dedicated his life for the freedom struggle.

Tiruppur Kumaran: Died fighting the British and refusing to let lose the Indian National Flag, which was banned at that time

Sardar Vallabhai Patel: Gave up a successful legal practice to join the Freedom struggle and was considered a tough negotiator. Known as one of the founding fathers of India

V.O. Chidambaram : Spent his resources freely for the freedom struggle and died in penury

I was trying to validate my contention of the above as Martyrs and referred to some dictionaries for the meaning of the word which said a person :

·          who willingly suffers death rather than renounce his or her religion.

·         who is put to death or endures great suffering on behalf of any belief, principle, or cause.

·         who undergoes severe or constant suffering

I am happy that the above persons meet the criteria atleast under one definition