Bhagat Singh, Indian Freedom Struggle, Lahore Conspiracy Case

Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary freedom fighter whose unwavering commitment to India’s independence made him a symbol of courage and sacrifice. He emerged as a prominent figure in the struggle against British colonial rule, advocating for radical change and social justice. Influenced by socialist ideals, Singh’s activism led him to join the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, where he orchestrated daring acts of resistance, including the infamous assembly bombing in 1929.

His execution at the young age of 23 on March 23, 1931, turned him into a martyr, inspiring generations to fight against oppression and injustices, and cementing his legacy as one of India’s most revered national heroes.

Bhagat Singh’s Early Life

Born on September 27, 1907, in Banga, Punjab, Bhagat Singh came from a Sikh family that was actively engaged in the struggle for independence. His father, Kishan Singh, and uncle, Ajit Singh, were involved in the 1907 Canal Colonization agitation and later the Ghadar Movement. Growing up in this environment, Bhagat Singh was influenced by the freedom struggle early on. He attended the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) School in Lahore and later, in 1923, joined the National College, founded by Lala Lajpat Rai.

Bhagat Singh Revolutionary Activities

Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary activities primarily focused on challenging British colonial authority through radical means. In 1926, Bhagat Singh founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha (Youth Society of India) and became a member of the Hindustan Republican Association, which was later renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association and advocated for an armed struggle as the path to Indian independence.

• Bhagat Singh popularised the slogan of ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ which eventually became the catchphrase of the Indian independence movement.

Killing of John Saunders

On December 17, 1928, Bhagat Singh along with Chandra Shekhar Azad and Rajguru, killed British police officer John Saunders in Lahore. This act was intended to avenge the death of freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai, who had succumbed to injuries sustained during a lathi charge by police while participating in an anti-Simon Commission procession.

Central Assembly Bombing Case

On April 8, 1929, the HSRA orchestrated a bombing in the Central Legislative Assembly to protest the passage of the repressive Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill. Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt were tasked with throwing the bombs, which were deliberately made harmless to avoid casualties. They surrendered voluntarily, using the trial to promote their revolutionary ideology and garner public support for India’s independence.

Bhagat Singh Execution

Bhagat Singh, along with his comrades Rajguru and Sukhdev, was sentenced to death for his involvement in the killing of British officer John Saunders. Despite widespread protests and calls for clemency from various political leaders and the public, the British government remained adamant. On March 23, 1931, Singh, at the young age of 23, was hanged in Lahore Central Jail.

Lahore conspiracy case

The Lahore Conspiracy Case, under which Bhagat Singh was tried, was marked by a series of controversial trials aimed at suppressing revolutionary activities against British rule. Bhagat Singh and his associates were tried under a specially created tribunal that circumvented standard legal norms, resulting in a trial widely criticized for its lack of fairness.

Bhagat Singh Ideals and opinions

Bhagat Singh was a staunch advocate of socialism and revolutionary thought, which shaped his distinct ideological framework. In his influential essay “Why I Am An Atheist,” he articulated his belief in rationalism and his rejection of religious dogma. He viewed atheism as a means to liberate individuals from superstition and promote critical thinking.

• Bhagat Singh was critical of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent approach to the freedom struggle, believing that it was insufficient to combat the brutality of colonial rule.
• He argued for a more radical strategy, emphasizing the need for armed resistance and revolutionary change to achieve true independence.

Bhagat Singh Legacy

Bhagat Singh’s legacy continues to resonate deeply in India, inspiring generations with his ideals of courage, sacrifice, and social justice. His martyrdom on March 23, 1931, is commemorated annually as Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day), honoring his contributions to the freedom struggle and celebrating his commitment to fighting oppression. On this day, people across India pay tribute to Singh and his comrades, remembering their sacrifices to India’s freedom movement.