A life in revolution: Bhagat Singh, a radical thinker and ideologue

A life in revolution: Bhagat Singh, a radical thinker and ideologue

Sub: History

Sec: Medieval India

Context:

• Birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh.

About Bhagat Singh:

• Bhagat Singh was born in Punjab, India (now Pakistan), on September 28, 1907, to a Sikh family deeply involved in political activities.
• He quit school at thirteen to devote his life to Indian independence.

Contribution to freedom struggle:

• Initially supported nonviolent methods but later adopted armed resistance against British rule, believing that violence was necessary to achieve liberation.
• He joined the Hindustan Republican Association in 1924 (later known as Hindustan Socialist Republican Association) and played a crucial role in mobilizing young people through organizations like HSRA.
• In 1926, Bhagat Singh founded the Naujavan Bharat Sabha (Youth Society of India).
• In April 1926, Bhagat Singh established Workers and Peasants Party with Sohan Singh Josh which brought out the monthly magazine Kirti in Punjabi.
• In 1927, he was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Kakori Case, following an article written under the pseudonym “Vidrohi” (Rebel).
• Participated in the assassination of British police officer John Saunders in 1928, in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. The incident is famously known as Lahore Conspiracy case (1929).
• Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in April 1929 to protest implementation of the Public Safety Bill.
• The bombers planned to get arrested and stand trial so they could further promote their cause. He offered no defence during the trial and was sentenced to life in prison.
• However, Bhagat Singh was re-arrested for the murder of J.P. Saunders andwas found guilty in this case and executed on 23rd March, 1931 at the age of 23.
• Every year, 23rd March is observed as Martyrs’ Day as a tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.
• His writings and actions continue to inspire movements for justice and equality.

Literary contributions:

• The Problem of Punjab’s Language and Script (1923)
• Vishwa Prem (Universal Love) (1924)
• Communal Riots and their Solution (1928)
• Students and Politics (1928)
• The Problem of Untouchability (1928)
• Religion and our Freedom Struggle (1928)
• What is Revolution? (1929)
• Letter to Young Political Workers (1931)
• Why I am an Atheist (1931)