Bhagat Singh, born on September 28, 1907, in Banga, Punjab, was one of the most influential revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement. He was deeply inspired by the sacrifices of the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh massacre and became involved in revolutionary activities at a young age.
Bhagat Singh was a prominent member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and played a key role in several revolutionary activities against British rule in India. He believed in armed struggle as a means to achieve independence and advocated for the overthrow of British colonialism.
One of the most significant events associated with Bhagat Singh was the Lahore Conspiracy Case. In 1928, he and his associates plotted to assassinate British police officer James A. Scott, who was responsible for the death of nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai. However, the plan went awry, and instead, Assistant Superintendent of Police, John Saunders, was mistakenly killed.
Following this incident, Bhagat Singh and his comrades went into hiding. During this time, they published pamphlets and manifestos advocating for the overthrow of British rule and the establishment of a socialist republic in India. Bhagat Singh's writings, particularly his essay "Why I am an Atheist," reflected his socialist and anti-imperialist beliefs.
In 1929, Bhagat Singh and his associates decided to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai by assassinating British police officer James A. Saunders. On December 17, 1929, they carried out their plan by bombing the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. Bhagat Singh and his accomplice, Batukeshwar Dutt, courted arrest after the bombing and used the trial as a platform to propagate their revolutionary ideas.
Bhagat Singh's trial gained widespread attention both in India and abroad. He and his fellow revolutionaries were charged with murder and sentenced to death. Despite numerous appeals for clemency, including from Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were hanged on March 23, 1931, in Lahore Central Jail.
Shaheed Bhagat Singh's sacrifice galvanized the Indian independence movement and inspired countless individuals to join the struggle against British rule. His fearless spirit, revolutionary zeal, and commitment to the ideals of freedom and socialism continue to inspire generations of Indians.
Bhagat Singh's legacy remains deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of India. He is remembered as a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice. His life and martyrdom serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals in the fight for freedom and justice.