Who was Bhagat Singh?
Birth and Family Background:
Legacy and Impact:
- Bhagat Singh was born on September 28, 1907, in Banga, Punjab, British India.
- He belonged to a patriotic family involved in the freedom movement.
- His father, Kishan Singh, and uncle, Ajit Singh, were prominent freedom fighters.
- The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 profoundly affected him at the age of 12.
- Bhagat Singh resolved to fight against British oppression after visiting the massacre site.
- He was influenced by leaders like Kartar Singh Sarabha and Lala Lajpat Rai.
Education and Ideology:
- Singh was a bright student and an avid reader of revolutionary literature.
- He was inspired by socialism, Marxism, and the Russian Revolution.
- Disillusioned by Gandhi's withdrawal of the Non-Cooperation Movement in 1922, he turned to revolutionary activities.
- Bhagat Singh joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA).
- In 1928, the group was renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
- He played a key role in planning and executing revolutionary acts.
- In 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai died after being assaulted by police during a protest against the Simon Commission.
- Singh, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, decided to avenge his death.
- On December 17, 1928, they killed British officer John Saunders in Lahore.
- In 1929, Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly.
- The act was a protest against repressive British laws, aiming to "make the deaf hear."
- They voluntarily surrendered, shouting slogans like “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long Live Revolution).
- Bhagat Singh used his trial to propagate revolutionary ideals.
- He highlighted the exploitation of Indians under British rule.
- While in jail, he led a 116-day hunger strike for better treatment of political prisoners.
- The strike gained widespread public attention and support.
- Singh believed in creating an egalitarian society free of exploitation.
- He rejected caste, religion-based divisions, and communalism.
- His writings emphasized rationality, secularism, and scientific progress.
- Singh was later tried for the murder of John Saunders.
- Despite appeals for clemency, he was sentenced to death.
- On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged in Lahore Central Jail.
- Bhagat Singh was only 23 years old when he was executed.
- His martyrdom sparked outrage and inspired millions to join the independence movement.
- He became a symbol of resistance, courage, and self-sacrifice.
- His slogan, “Inquilab Zindabad,” became a rallying cry for freedom fighters.
- Singh’s belief in socialism influenced post-independence political thought.
Commemoration:
- March 23 is observed as Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) in India.
- Numerous schools, roads, and institutions are named after him.
- His life has been depicted in books, films, and cultural works.
- His birthplace in Pakistan is a site of reverence for admirers.
- Bhagat Singh advocated for a secular, united India.
- He rejected blind adherence to tradition, promoting modern thinking.
- He believed in collective action to achieve justice and equality.
- Singh emphasized education as a tool for societal change.
- He viewed freedom as incomplete without social and economic justice.
- Singh’s revolutionary spirit transcended regional boundaries.
- He remains a global symbol of the fight against oppression.
- His life continues to inspire movements for justice and equality.
- Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice is celebrated as a turning point in India’s freedom struggle.
- He is remembered for his fearless defiance of British imperialism.
- His writings reveal his vision for a just and equitable society.
- Singh’s legacy unites people across generations and ideologies.
- He is immortalized as one of India’s greatest revolutionaries and martyrs.
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