On the 28th of September, India remembers the birth anniversary of a noteworthy freedom fighter, Bhagat Singh. Born in the Lyallpur district (now part of Pakistan) in 1907, Bhagat Singh, a Sikh, was raised in a politically active family. His generation played a significant role between two significant movements in the Indian struggle for independence – the ‘Extremism’ phase led by Lal-Bal-Pal and the Gandhian era of peaceful mass movement.
Bhagat Singh’s Early Years
In 1923, Bhagat Singh entered the National College, Lahore – a school run by Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhai Parmanand that served as an alternative to government institutions. It aimed to incorporate Swadeshi’s spirit into education. By 1924, Bhagat turned his focus towards revolutionary activities and joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) in Kanpur, initiated by Sachindranath Sanyal the previous year. In this association, he became closely attached to Chandra Shekhar Azad, the principal organizer, and began to contemplate considerably the philosophy of carrying out an armed revolution against British imperialism.
Formation of Hindustan Socialist Republic Association (HSRA)
In 1928, the HRA transitioned to the Hindustan Socialist Republic Association (HSRA), reflecting a shift in their ideology. Upon returning to Lahore in 1925, Bhagat Singh and his associates initiated the Naujawan Bharat Sabha – a militant youth organization committed to achieving Indian independence.
Involvement in Kirti Kisan Party
The following year, in April 1926, Bhagat Singh formed connections with Sohan Singh Josh and the ‘Kirti Kisan Party,’ which published a monthly Punjabi magazine Kirti. Bhagat Singh spent the next year collaborating with Josh and also joined the editorial board of Kirti.
Arrest & Lahore Conspiracy Case
Bhagat Singh’s commitment to independence led to his arrest in 1927 for associating with those involved in the Kakori case. He was apprehended following a controversial piece he wrote under the pseudonym Vidrohi (Rebel). To retaliate against Lala Lajpat Rai’s death, Bhagat Singh alongside his comrades conspired to assassinate James A. Scott, the Police Superintendent. However, due to mistaken identity, they killed J.P. Saunders instead – an incident renowned as the Lahore Conspiracy case (1929).
The Protest Against Repressive Bills
In 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai had spearheaded a demonstration opposing the Simon Commission’s arrival. The police responded with violent lathi charges that resulted in serious injuries to Lala Lajpat Rai, leading to his demise. To protest this brutal act and the introduction of two oppressive bills, the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Dispute Bill, Bhagat Singh and B.K. Dutt threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on 8 April 1929.
Bhagat Singh’s Arrest, Trial, & Execution
The bomb throwers surrendered promptly after the incident, intending to use their trial as a platform to promote their cause. They received life sentences for their actions. Nevertheless, Bhagat Singh was re-arrested and charged for J.P. Saunders’ murder and bomb-making in relation to the Lahore Conspiracy case. He was declared guilty and hanged on the 23rd of March, 1931, in Lahore, accompanied by Sukhdev and Rajguru. To honour these freedom fighters, the 23rd of March is observed annually as Martyrs’ Day.
Last Modified: February 9, 2024