Bhagat Singh

Early Life and Education
Bhagat Singh was born on 28 September 1907, in a village called Banga in the Punjab province of undivided India (now in Pakistan). He belonged to a Sikh family with a history of political activism. His father, Kishan Singh Sandhu, was a freedom fighter, and his uncles were also involved in nationalist activities. Bhagat Singh’s early education was in his native village, where he showed an early interest in history and literature. He was greatly influenced by the freedom struggle, and by the time he was in his teens, he had already developed a strong sense of patriotism. He went to the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic School in Lahore, where he was introduced to revolutionary ideas, particularly those related to the independence movement and the works of prominent revolutionaries like Lala Lajpat Rai and Kartar Singh Sarabha.

Early Exposure to Revolutionary Ideals
Bhagat Singh’s journey into activism began at a young age, inspired by the atrocities of British rule and the sacrifices made by the Indian freedom fighters. At the age of 12, he witnessed the brutal actions of the British police against nationalists, and this fueled his desire to fight against the colonial government. His strong sense of justice led him to explore different forms of revolutionary thought. He was particularly influenced by Marxism, socialism, and anarchism, which resonated with his vision of a society free from both imperialist oppression and feudal exploitation. Bhagat Singh also became involved with various revolutionary groups, like the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, and later the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), led by Chandrashekhar Azad and other revolutionaries.

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre and Influence on Bhagat Singh
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, where British troops under General Dyer killed hundreds of unarmed Indians, had a profound impact on Bhagat Singh. Although he was only 12 years old at the time, the incident left an indelible mark on his consciousness, awakening a deep hatred for British rule. Bhagat Singh, who was greatly disturbed by the brutal repression, swore to take up arms for the cause of Indian independence. The massacre ignited his desire to seek justice for the countless lives lost and further pushed him towards the revolutionary path. He believed that the path of non-violence, though noble, was insufficient in the face of British imperialist cruelty.

The Lahore Conspiracy Case and the Assembly Bombing
Bhagat Singh’s most notable act of defiance against British rule came in 1929 when he, along with Batukeshwar Dutt, threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. The bombing was meant not to kill, but to protest against the repressive laws imposed by the British government. Bhagat Singh and Dutt were arrested immediately after the incident, and during the trial, Bhagat Singh used the court proceedings as a platform to propagate his ideas of revolution. His boldness, intelligence, and eloquence during the trial turned him into a national hero. However, the bombing was just the beginning of his revolutionary journey.

The Murder of John Saunders and Escape
In December 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai was injured during a police baton charge by the British police, which eventually led to his death. Bhagat Singh, along with his associates Rajguru and Sukhdev, decided to avenge Lajpat Rai’s death. They targeted James A. Scott, the police officer responsible for Lajpat Rai’s injuries, but mistakenly killed John Saunders, a British police officer. This act led to a manhunt for Bhagat Singh and his companions. Despite the intense pursuit, Bhagat Singh managed to evade capture for several months. He continued to work towards his goal of creating a revolutionary movement, which gained widespread support among the youth of India.

Arrest, Trial, and Execution
In 1930, Bhagat Singh was arrested along with his associates for his involvement in the murder of John Saunders and for his role in revolutionary activities. During his imprisonment, Bhagat Singh turned his cell into a place of intellectual and ideological resistance. He and his associates went on a hunger strike demanding better conditions for Indian prisoners in British jails. The trial that followed became a significant moment in the Indian independence movement. Bhagat Singh used the court proceedings to further his revolutionary ideas, becoming a symbol of resistance against British rule. Despite widespread protests and calls for clemency, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were sentenced to death. On 23 March 1931, at the age of 23, Bhagat Singh was hanged to death along with his two companions in the Lahore Central Jail.

Legacy and Martyrdom
Bhagat Singh’s execution sparked outrage across India and galvanized the youth in the struggle for independence. Although he died young, his courage, determination, and revolutionary spirit left an everlasting impact on the Indian independence movement. He became an icon of resistance against colonial oppression, and his writings on socialism, nationalism, and revolution continue to inspire generations of Indians. Bhagat Singh’s legacy transcended the boundaries of his time, as he became a symbol of the fight for justice, equality, and freedom. His martyrdom played a crucial role in energizing the Indian independence struggle, and he remains a beloved figure in the history of India’s freedom movement.