Bhagat Singh, one of India’s most revered freedom fighters, remains a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the cause of independence. Born on 28 September 1907 in Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Bhagat Singh’s life was cut short at the age of 23, but his legacy continues to inspire generations.
Bhagat Singh was born into a family of freedom fighters. His father, Kishan Singh, and uncle, Ajit Singh, were actively involved in the struggle against British colonial rule. From a young age, Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by the nationalist movement and the sacrifices of leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lala Lajpat Rai. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, in which hundreds of unarmed Indians were killed by British troops, left a profound impact on him and fuelled his desire to fight for India’s freedom.
Bhagat Singh’s journey as a revolutionary began in earnest during his teenage years. He joined the National College in Lahore, where he became associated with the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, a youth organisation dedicated to overthrowing British rule. Disillusioned by the non-violent approach of the Indian National Congress, Bhagat Singh turned to more radical methods to achieve independence.
In 1928, he joined the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary group that sought to end colonial rule through armed struggle. The same year, the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a protest against the Simon Commission, deeply affected Bhagat Singh. Seeking revenge, he and his associates plotted to kill James A. Scott, the police officer responsible for the lathi charge that led to Rai’s death. However, in a case of mistaken identity, they killed J.P. Saunders, another police officer. Bhagat Singh went into hiding but continued to work for the revolutionary cause.
In 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal smoke bombs inside the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi to protest against repressive laws. Their aim was not to harm anyone but to make the “deaf hear” their demands for freedom. Both men courted arrest, using the trial as a platform to propagate their revolutionary ideas. During the trial, Bhagat Singh and his comrades turned the courtroom into a stage for their political ideology, delivering powerful speeches that resonated across the country.
Bhagat Singh’s involvement in the Saunders’ murder case led to his arrest and trial in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. Alongside Rajguru and Sukhdev, he was sentenced to death. Despite widespread appeals for clemency, including from figures like Mahatma Gandhi, the British authorities remained unmoved. On 23 March 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged in Lahore Central Jail. It is said that the trio embraced the gallows with courage, shouting slogans of “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long Live the Revolution) until their last breath.
Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom galvanised the Indian independence movement. His writings, which included essays on socialism, atheism, and revolution, revealed a deeply intellectual mind committed to justice and equality. He envisioned an India free not only from colonial rule but also from social and economic oppression.
Today, Bhagat Singh is celebrated as a national hero. His life and sacrifice are remembered in books, films, and songs, and his ideals continue to inspire those fighting for justice and freedom. Bhagat Singh’s unwavering spirit and dedication to the cause of independence ensure that his legacy remains alive in the hearts of millions.
In the words of Bhagat Singh himself, “They may kill me, but they cannot kill my ideas. They can crush my body, but they will not be able to crush my spirit.” His life and death stand as a testament to the power of courage, conviction, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom.
