Bhagat Singh remains one of the most influential revolutionaries in the history of the Indian independence movement. His courage, intellect, and sacrifice at a young age made him a national hero and a symbol of resistance against British colonial rule. This article explores the history of Bhagat Singh, his early life, political ideology, revolutionary activities, and his lasting legacy in the fight for India’s freedom.
Early Life of Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh was born on September 28, 1907, in Banga village, Lyallpur district, Punjab Province (now in Pakistan). He came from a family deeply involved in the freedom struggle. His father, Kishan Singh, and uncles Ajit Singh and Swaran Singh were known for their patriotic fervor and had participated in anti-British activities.
From a young age, Bhagat Singh was exposed to revolutionary ideas. He grew up listening to stories of valor and sacrifice, which shaped his ideological foundation. He was deeply affected by the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919, where hundreds of unarmed Indians were killed by British troops under General Dyer. At the age of 12, he visited the massacre site and collected soil from the ground, considering it sacred.
Education and Early Political Influences
Bhagat Singh was an avid reader and had a sharp intellect. He studied at National College in Lahore, which was founded by Lala Lajpat Rai as an alternative to British-run institutions. Here, he was exposed to the writings of Karl Marx, Lenin, and other socialist thinkers. These readings played a significant role in developing his political ideology, which leaned towards socialism and anti-colonialism.
He was also influenced by Indian revolutionaries like Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Chandra Shekhar Azad, as well as global revolutionaries like Giuseppe Mazzini and Vladimir Lenin.
Involvement in Revolutionary Activities
Bhagat Singh joined the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in the early 1920s. This group believed in using direct action and armed struggle to overthrow British rule. He was actively involved in writing and distributing revolutionary literature, which was aimed at awakening the Indian youth to join the freedom struggle.
The Killing of John Saunders
One of the most significant events in Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary life was the 1928 killing of British police officer John Saunders. The British had ordered a brutal lathi charge during a protest against the Simon Commission, which led to the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. To avenge this, Bhagat Singh and his associates, including Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, plotted to assassinate James A. Scott, the officer responsible for the lathi charge.
However, due to mistaken identity, they shot and killed John Saunders instead. After the killing, Bhagat Singh shaved his beard and cut his hair (breaking his Sikh identity) to avoid arrest and went underground.
The Central Legislative Assembly Bombing
On April 8, 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. Their intention was not to kill but to make a loud statement against oppressive laws like the Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill. As they shouted slogans like "Inquilab Zindabad" ("Long Live the Revolution"), they allowed themselves to be arrested.
During the trial, Bhagat Singh used the courtroom as a platform to promote his ideas. He argued that the British government had no moral authority to rule India. He wrote extensively from jail, articulating his views on revolution, socialism, and patriotism.
Trial and Execution
The British government linked Bhagat Singh to the killing of John Saunders and charged him, Rajguru, and Sukhdev under the Lahore Conspiracy Case. Despite national and international appeals for clemency, the colonial government sentenced them to death.
On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed at Lahore Central Jail. All three were just in their early twenties. Their bodies were secretly cremated near the Sutlej River to avoid public unrest.
Bhagat Singh’s Ideology
Bhagat Singh was not just a revolutionary who believed in armed struggle; he was also a thinker and a writer. He believed in a socialist India, free from exploitation, inequality, and poverty. His writings, such as "Why I am an Atheist", show his rationalist thinking and deep commitment to secularism and social justice.
Some core elements of his ideology include:
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Anti-colonialism: Bhagat Singh believed that British rule was exploitative and had to be removed completely, not just reformed.
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Socialism: He envisioned an India where wealth was distributed equally, and workers and peasants had rights.
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Secularism: He believed religion should not interfere with governance or politics.
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Youth Involvement: He encouraged Indian youth to rise against injustice and actively participate in nation-building.
Legacy of Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh’s legacy continues to inspire millions across India and beyond. He is remembered as Shaheed-e-Azam ("The Greatest Martyr") and is considered a hero by people of all generations. Schools, colleges, roads, and public places across India are named in his honor.
His revolutionary slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” still echoes in protests and movements that seek justice and equality.
Memorials and Tributes
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Shaheed Bhagat Singh Museum at Khatkar Kalan, Punjab, showcases his personal belongings and revolutionary documents.
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Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Memorial in Hussainiwala is the site of his cremation and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
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Numerous films, books, and songs have been made about his life, including Bollywood films like The Legend of Bhagat Singh and Rang De Basanti.
Lesser-Known Facts About Bhagat Singh
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Polyglot: Bhagat Singh was fluent in multiple languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, English, and had working knowledge of Bengali.
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Voracious Reader: He read hundreds of books while in jail, including works on socialism, revolution, and world history.
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Writer and Editor: He contributed to journals like Kirti and The People, using pen names such as Balwant, Ranjit, and Shaheed.
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Atheist Belief: Contrary to many freedom fighters, Bhagat Singh was a declared atheist, as reflected in his essay Why I am an Atheist.
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Youth Icon: He was only 23 years old at the time of his execution, making him one of the youngest martyrs of the freedom struggle.
Conclusion
Bhagat Singh’s life was short but impactful. He stood for more than just India's political freedom he stood for social revolution, equality, justice, and empowerment of the common man. His fearless spirit, deep intellect, and unwavering commitment to the cause of India’s liberation continue to inspire activists, students, and patriots around the world.
As we remember Bhagat Singh, it’s important not only to honor his sacrifice but also to embrace the values he stood for a free, fair, and progressive society.
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