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Bhagat Singh: The Revolutionary Thinker and Ideologue
Introduction:
Bhagat Singh, one of India’s most iconic revolutionaries, was a radical thinker who combined armed struggle with deep ideological beliefs. His writings covered communalism, religion, inequality, and revolution, holding relevance even today.
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Born on 26th September 1907 in a Sandhu Jat family in Punjab’s Jullundur Doab district.
- Influences: Raised in an Arya Samaj environment, he became well-versed in Sanskrit, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and English.
- Joined Lala Lajpat Rai’s National College in 1923, founded on Swadeshi ideals.
Revolutionary Beginnings
- Hindustan Republican Association (HRA): Became a member of the HRA in 1924, aligning closely with revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad.
- In 1928, Bhagat Singh renamed the Hindustan Republican Association to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
- Naujawan Bharat Sabha: Founded this militant youth organisation in 1925 to fight British imperialism.
- Workers and Peasants Party: Connected with Sohan Singh Josh and worked for Kirti magazine.
Notable Actions
- Lahore Conspiracy Case (1929): Assassinated J.P. Saunders, mistakenly targeting him to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death from a police lathi charge.
- Assembly Bombing (1929): Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly as a symbolic protest. They surrendered, using the trial as a platform for their cause.
Ideological Contributions
- Universal Brotherhood: In his 1924 article Vishwa Prem, Singh envisioned a world of equality, free from hunger, war, and racial divisions.
- Communalism: Criticised religion’s divisive role in India and condemned media for inciting communal riots (Communal Riots and their Solution, 1928).
- Revolutionary Ideals: Defined revolution as the constant overthrow of outdated systems (What is Revolution?, 1929).
Key Writings
- Why I Am an Atheist: In this autobiographical discourse, Bhagat Singh rejected the idea of a supernatural god and emphasised reason and self-reliance.
- The Problem of Untouchability: Called upon untouchables to rise against oppression and societal norms.
- Students and Politics: Encouraged student involvement in political struggles, asserting that political awareness was part of education.
Legacy and Death
- Execution: Bhagat Singh was hanged on 23rd March 1931, alongside Sukhdev and Rajguru, after being convicted for Saunders’ murder.
- Martyrs’ Day: Every year, 23rd March is observed as Martyrs’ Day in honour of Bhagat Singh and his fellow revolutionaries.