India’s freedom struggle was marked by the sacrifices of countless revolutionaries, but among them, the name of Bhagat Singh stands out as an eternal symbol of courage, patriotism, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His martyrdom on March 23, 1931, is not just a day of remembrance but a call to uphold the values he fought for. As we reflect on his life and sacrifice, we must also recognize the message he left behind for future generations.

Born on September 28, 1907, in Banga, Punjab, Bhagat Singh was raised in a family deeply involved in the struggle against British rule. Influenced by the sacrifices of his ancestors and inspired by nationalist leaders, he grew up with a deep-seated passion for India’s independence. From a young age, Bhagat Singh displayed exceptional intelligence, a keen sense of justice and a fearless attitude towards oppression.

As a teenager, he joined the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), where he worked alongside other revolutionaries like Chandra Shekhar Azad, Sukhdev, and Rajguru. Bhagat Singh firmly believed in socialism and saw independence as more than just the removal of British rule—it was about creating an equitable and just society for all Indians.

One of the defining moments of Bhagat Singh’s life was his protest against the Simon Commission in 1928, during which Lala Lajpat Rai was brutally beaten by the police and later succumbed to his injuries. In retaliation, Bhagat Singh and his comrades plotted and executed the killing of British officer J.P. Saunders, mistaking him for the commissioner responsible for Lala Lajpat Rai’s assault. This act of defiance sent shockwaves through the British administration.

Later, on April 8, 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi, not intending to harm anyone but to make a statement against oppressive laws. They surrendered voluntarily, using the trial as a platform to propagate their revolutionary ideas. His powerful writings, including his essay “Why I Am an Atheist,” showcased his deep philosophical convictions and his vision for an independent and just India.

Despite widespread protests and appeals for clemency, the British government sentenced Bhagat Singh, along with his comrades Sukhdev and Rajguru, to death. On March 23, 1931, at the young age of 23, he was hanged in Lahore Central Jail. Reports suggest that Bhagat Singh and his fellow revolutionaries walked to the gallows with unwavering determination, chanting “Inquilab Zindabad!” (Long live the revolution!).

His execution ignited a new wave of resistance against British rule, inspiring millions to fight with renewed zeal. Bhagat Singh’s death was not just an end but the beginning of a greater movement that ultimately led to India’s independence in 1947.

Bhagat Singh’s legacy goes beyond his revolutionary actions; it lies in the ideals he championed. He believed in:

• True Freedom: He wanted not only political independence but also social and economic justice for all.
• Equality and Secularism: He opposed communal divisions and stood for a society free from religious discrimination.
• The Power of Ideas: His writings emphasized that true change comes through knowledge, awareness, and fearless expression.

Even today, Bhagat Singh’s thoughts on oppression, governance, and justice remain relevant. His life reminds us that true patriotism is about working for the welfare of the people and standing against injustice in any form.

As we honor his sacrifice, let us strive to uphold the values of courage, selflessness, and commitment to a just and equal society. Bhagat Singh may have left this world, but his words and actions continue to inspire us to build a better and stronger nation.Inquilab Zindabad!

By: Mr. Sujeet Govind Rathod (Duty Officer – Mumbai)