12. Bhagat Singh

 March 23, Martyrs' Day:This day commemorates the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev—revolutionaries of the Indian freedom struggle—who were hanged by the British. Let us honor them and the countless others who perished, from the Jallianwala Bagh massacre to other instances of British brutality, all for the dream of self-rule.

Early Life and Inspiration

Born on September 28, 1907, in a humble village in Punjab, Bhagat Singh emerged as a luminous figure in the Indian freedom movement. He was executed, along with two others, for the killing of a British police officer. This act was in retaliation for the brutal lathi charge that caused injuries leading to the death of freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai.

Bhagat Singh's revolutionary spirit was kindled early. At the age of 11, he was deeply affected by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919. On hearing about the tragedy, he ran barefoot to the site. There, amid the blood-soaked earth, he collected a bottle of blood-stained soil and brought it home. Placing it reverently, he declared to his younger sister, “This is the blood of the brave who died fighting for our freedom. I am paying my respects.” This profound moment set the course of his life.

Family and Education

Bhagat Singh was born into a family of patriots. On the day of his birth, his father and two uncles were released from jail. Many of his relatives had fought under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. His grandfather, Arjun Singh, was a follower of Arya Samaj, a Hindu reformist movement led by Swami Dayananda Saraswati, which influenced Bhagat Singh's ideals.

He studied at the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School, as his grandfather opposed the Khalsa School in Lahore for its ties with the British. At age 14, Bhagat Singh witnessed the Gurudwara Nanak Saheb massacre in 1921, where the British army killed unarmed Sikhs. Disillusioned by Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement following the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922, he turned towards a more radical revolutionary path.

Early Revolutionary Activities

In 1923, Bhagat Singh joined Lahore’s National College, excelling academically while also participating in theater and debates. That same year, he won an essay competition organized by the Punjab Hindi Literary Conference. Inspired by global youth movements, he co-founded the Navjawan Bharat Sabha in 1926 and joined the Hindustan Republican Association, working alongside leaders like Chandrashekhar Azad and Ram Prasad Bismil.

He declared, “My life is dedicated to the independence of my country. I will not rest until it is achieved.” His growing influence alarmed the British authorities, leading to his first arrest in 1927 on charges of bombing Lahore. Though released on bail, he used the opportunity to write revolutionary articles under pseudonyms like Kirti and Veer Arjun.

Assassination of John Saunders

The Simon Commission’s visit to India in 1928 was met with widespread protests due to the lack of Indian representation. During one such protest in Lahore, Lala Lajpat Rai was injured in a brutal lathi charge ordered by police superintendent James A. Scott. Rai succumbed to his injuries, fueling nationwide outrage.

Bhagat Singh, along with Shivaram Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar, and Chandrashekhar Azad, planned to avenge Rai’s death by killing Scott. However, on December 17, 1928, they mistakenly killed John P. Saunders, another police officer. Bhagat Singh and his associates fled Lahore, cleverly disguising themselves and traveling to different cities before returning.

The Assembly Bombing

On April 8, 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt bombed the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. The intent was not to kill but to make a political statement. As smoke filled the hall, they shouted slogans like “Inquilab Zindabad!” (Long live the revolution!) and willingly surrendered.

During their trial, Bhagat Singh defended the revolutionary cause in eloquent writings, arguing that violent actions were a response to the oppressive British regime. Despite the general public’s mixed reactions, his unwavering resolve inspired widespread admiration.

Trial and Execution

The discovery of the revolutionaries’ bomb-making factory linked Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev to Saunders' murder. All three were sentenced to death. While in prison, Bhagat Singh led a hunger strike demanding equal treatment for political prisoners. The strike garnered national attention, with leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Muhammad Ali Jinnah expressing support.

On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged at 7:30 PM, a day earlier than scheduled. Their bodies were secretly cremated by the British to avoid public unrest. Bhagat Singh faced his death with remarkable courage, reportedly kissing the noose and declaring, “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!” (Victory to Mother India!).

Legacy

Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice ignited a new wave of patriotism among the youth. Though he did not live to see India’s independence, his vision and bravery left an indelible mark. Songs, slogans, and stories of his heroism spread across the country, solidifying his place as a symbol of revolutionary zeal.

Even Mahatma Gandhi, despite their differing ideologies, made efforts to seek clemency for Bhagat Singh, though critics argue his intervention came too late. Bhagat Singh’s ultimate act of defiance remains a testament to his dedication to India’s freedom.