The late Bhagat Singh, an iconic figure in India’s struggle for freedom, is renowned for his contributions to the Indian National Movement. His influence extended beyond his lifetime, inspiring future generations in their pursuit of independence. In honour of Singh’s birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the renaming of the Chandigarh airport after him, a tribute fitting for this charismatic revolutionary.
Early Life and Background
Bhagat Singh was born on 26th September 1907 in Punjab, to a Sandhu Jat family. He was raised during the transitional period between the ‘Extremism’ phase of Lal-Bal-Pal and the Gandhian phase of nonviolent mass action in India’s national movement. The course of his life was notably influenced by these shifting socio-political contexts.
Education and Political Initiation
Singh’s journey into the realm of politics began in 1923 when he joined the National College in Lahore. Established by Lala Lajpat Rai and Bhai Parmanand, the institution was committed to the idea of Swadeshi, aiming to offer an alternative to Government-run establishments. In 1924, Singh became associated with the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), a group initiated by Sachindranath Sanyal. Chandra Shekhar Azad, the main organiser of HRA, played a crucial role in shaping Singh’s political ideology.
Involvement with Militant Groups and Revolutionary Activities
The Philosophy of the Bomb, a significant political doctrine written by Bhagwati Charan Vohra, profoundly affected Singh and confirmed his belief in armed revolution as a legitimate means of fighting British imperialism. Following this, Singh co-founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, a militant youth organisation, in 1925. Through this, he established contact with Sohan Singh Josh of the ‘Workers and Peasants Party,’ providing him a platform to contribute towards their monthly Punjabi magazine, Kirti.
Contribution to the Freedom Struggle
Singh’s active participation in the freedom struggle was marked by a series of revolutionary acts. In 1927, he was accused and arrested for his involvement in the Kakori Case for an article written under the pseudonym ‘Vidrohi’. Later in 1928, he altered the Hindustan Republican Association to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), leaning towards a more socialist ideology. However, following the death of Azad in 1930, the HSRA collapsed, making way for the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in Punjab, hence becoming a pivotal turning point in Indian history.
The Lahore Conspiracy Case and its Aftermath
In 1929, to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death, Singh, along with his comrades, plotted to assassinate James A. Scott, the Superintendent of Police. However, they accidentally killed J.P. Saunders, an event now famously known as the Lahore Conspiracy case. As a controversial act of political defiance, Singh and B.K. Dutt launched a bombing at the Central Legislative Assembly. The intention was not to kill but to protest against the passing of two repressive bills: the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Dispute Bill. This incident resulted in their arrest and subsequent life imprisonment. However, Singh was later hanged on 23rd March, 1931, for murder and bomb manufacturing in connection with the Lahore Conspiracy case. This day is observed as Martyrs’ Day every year in India.
Literary Contributions
Apart from his revolutionary activities, Bhagat Singh also left behind a literary legacy. His noteworthy publications include “Why I Am an Atheist: An Autobiographical Discourse” and “The Jail Notebook and Other Writings,” shedding light on his philosophical mindset and ideological leanings while he was incarcerated.
