Bhagat Singh, affectionately referred to as “Shaheed” Bhagat Singh, stands as an enduring icon of unwavering patriotism and unyielding determination within the history of India. Born on September 28, 1907, in Punjab, he grew up in a family deeply rooted in the fight for freedom, instilling in him a profound love for his nation and an unquenchable desire to liberate it from British colonial rule. His early association with the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) set the course for his remarkable life, leading him to take audacious steps in the struggle against British imperialism.
Bhagat Singh’s commitment to the cause of independence drove him to engage in daring acts of sabotage against British establishments, including an attempt to bomb the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi, symbolizing British authority. In 1929, he and two fellow activists were convicted of assassinating British police officer John Saunders, catapulting Bhagat Singh into the national spotlight as a revolutionary hero.
Shortly before his execution, Bhagat Singh assumed the presidency of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), cementing his leadership role in the fight for independence.
Born into a politically conscious family that supported the Ghadar Party’s pursuit of India’s freedom from British rule, Bhagat Singh’s strong sense of patriotism developed early, fueled by family ideals and pivotal events like the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and the murder of unarmed Akali demonstrators.
Initially, he supported Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, but his departure from Gandhi’s nonviolent path became apparent after the Chauri Chaura incident. Bhagat Singh distanced himself from the nonviolent movement, embracing a more radical approach to attain India’s independence.
Bhagat Singh’s early activism included writing scathing critiques of the British government and disseminating leaflets advocating a violent uprising against colonial rule. The protest against the Simon Commission in 1928, which resulted in the fatal injury of Lala Lajpat Rai at the hands of the police, marked a pivotal moment in his life. In retaliation, Bhagat Singh and his associate mistakenly assassinated J.P. Saunders, believing him to be the responsible officer.
The Central Assembly Bombing in Delhi on April 8, 1929, was another significant turning point. Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt detonated a bomb in the Central Assembly to protest repressive laws, carefully avoiding harm to individuals. Their goal was to “make the deaf hear” and draw attention to their cause.
Following the Central Assembly Bombing, Bhagat Singh, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, faced arrest and trial. During his trials, Bhagat Singh displayed remarkable courage, using the platform to propagate his message of revolution and anti-imperialism. He famously declared, “Force, when used violently, is ‘violence’ and is thus morally indefensible, but when used in support of a righteous cause, it has its moral legitimacy.”
While in prison, Bhagat Singh and fellow political prisoners launched a hunger strike to protest their treatment, demanding access to literature, newspapers, equal food and clothing standards, and an end to forced labor. The hunger strike garnered widespread support and became a potent symbol of resistance.
On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev met their execution in Lahore Jail with unwavering resolve, chanting slogans of “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Down with British Imperialism.” Their martyrdom etched an indelible impact on India’s struggle for freedom, inspiring countless individuals to join the fight against colonial oppression.
Bhagat Singh’s legacy continues to resonate with the people of India, symbolizing the spirit of fearlessness, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to the nation.