Bhagat Singh is considered a national hero of India's freedom struggle against British rule. His nationalism and patriotic zeal had no parallels.
Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh's Early Life and Background
Bhagat Singh was born on September 28, 1907 in Lyallpur district of British India (now in Pakistan) to Kishan Singh and Vidyavati.
He was born in a family that had a legacy of involvement in the freedom struggle. His father and uncle both were popular freedom fighters of that time. Both were known to support the Gandhian ideology.
They always inspired the people to come out in masses to oppose the British. This affected Bhagat Singh deeply. Therefore, loyalty towards the country and the desire to free it from the clutches of the British were inborn in Bhagat Singh. It was running in his blood and veins.
At first he supported Mahatma Gandhi and the Non-Corporation Movement but when Gandhiji withdrew from the movement, Bhagat Singh turned to revolutionary nationalism.
He was born in a family that had a legacy of involvement in the freedom struggle. His father and uncle both were popular freedom fighters of that time. Both were known to support the Gandhian ideology.
They always inspired the people to come out in masses to oppose the British. This affected Bhagat Singh deeply. Therefore, loyalty towards the country and the desire to free it from the clutches of the British were inborn in Bhagat Singh. It was running in his blood and veins.
At first he supported Mahatma Gandhi and the Non-Corporation Movement but when Gandhiji withdrew from the movement, Bhagat Singh turned to revolutionary nationalism.
Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh's contribution to Freedom Struggle
There have been many leaders from the revolutionary nature but Bhagat Singh's name is always first quoted when talking about revolutionary freedom fighters of India.
In 1926, he founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha. The aim of this Organisation was to encourage people against British rule by rallying the peasants and secretary.
In 1928 , he established Hindustan Socialist Republican Association along with Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandra Shekhar Azad and others.
In 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai died because of injuries sustained in a police lathi charge on the order of James Scott.
Bhagat Singh and his revolutionary friends decided to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. On 17th December, they executed their plan to kill James Scott at the police headquarter in Lahore but by mistake they killed Scotts's assistant John P Saunders.
On 8th April 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar dutt threw a bomb in the Central Assembly at Delhi from the visitors gallery. They also threw pamphlets and raised pro-revolutionary slogans.
Nobody was hurt in the incident and it was never their intention to hurt anyone. They just wanted to spread their message of revolution and needed a platform for it. After throwing bomb they stood there shouting Inquilab Zindabad.
Both Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt were arrested and sentenced to transportation for life in the trial. The Murder case of J P Saundersn also came up, Bhagat Singh was linked to that case as well.
In 1926, he founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha. The aim of this Organisation was to encourage people against British rule by rallying the peasants and secretary.
In 1928 , he established Hindustan Socialist Republican Association along with Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandra Shekhar Azad and others.
In 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai died because of injuries sustained in a police lathi charge on the order of James Scott.
Bhagat Singh and his revolutionary friends decided to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. On 17th December, they executed their plan to kill James Scott at the police headquarter in Lahore but by mistake they killed Scotts's assistant John P Saunders.
On 8th April 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar dutt threw a bomb in the Central Assembly at Delhi from the visitors gallery. They also threw pamphlets and raised pro-revolutionary slogans.
Nobody was hurt in the incident and it was never their intention to hurt anyone. They just wanted to spread their message of revolution and needed a platform for it. After throwing bomb they stood there shouting Inquilab Zindabad.
Both Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt were arrested and sentenced to transportation for life in the trial. The Murder case of J P Saundersn also came up, Bhagat Singh was linked to that case as well.
Bhagat Singh's execution
Bhagat Singh was shifted from Delhi jail to Mianwali where he and his revolutionary friends protested against discrimination between Indian and European prisoners.
They sat on hungers strike demanding better food, books, newspaper etc as they were political prisoners not criminals. Bhagat Singh fasted for 116 days which he ended it at his father and Congress leaders request.
Bhagat Singh was charged for JP Saunders murder along with Rajguru and Sukhdev. The trial was one one sided and three of them were sentenced to death.
The trio was ordered to be hanged on 24th March 1931 but the sentence was carried out a day earlier at Lahore jail and after the hanging their mortal remains were cremated in secrets.
This execution evoked strong reactions from the people particularly youngsters and many were motivated to join freedom struggle.
23rd March is observed as Shaheed Diwas in honor of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.
Some famous Bhagat Singh's quotes
"Revolution is an inalienable right of mankind.
Freedom is an imperishable birth right of all".
"I am full of ambition and hope and charm of life. But I can renounce everything at the time of need".
"If the deaf have to hear, the sound has to be very loud".
Conclusion
Bhagat Singh was a freedom fighter with courage and patriotism. He was only 23 when hanged. He left a legacy like no other freedom fighter. The defiant patriotism and sacrifice of Bhagat Singh can never be forgotten.
