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116 Years of Bhagat Singh

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• GS 1: Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present- significant events, personalities, issues.
• Tags: #BhagatSingh #116^THAnniversary #FreedomFighter #UPSC #CurrentAffairs.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to freedom fighter Bhagat Singh on his 116th birth anniversary, praising him as a lasting symbol for India’s unshaken desire for freedom and justice.

Bhagat Singh’s early life

• Bhagat Singh was born on September 28, 1907, in the village of Banga, which is currently located in Faisalabad, Pakistan Punjab.
• He initially attended the local village school, where he completed his primary education up to class 5.
• Later, his father enrolled him at the Dayanand Anglo Vedic (DAV) High School in Lahore.
• Bhagat Singh was an exceptionally intelligent student.
• His father, Kishan Singh Sandhu, and his uncle Ajit Singh were active participants in the freedom movement.
• This familial influence instilled in him a strong sense of patriotism and the desire to free India from British colonial rule.

Impact of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

• The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919, a brutal episode of British repression in Amritsar, left a permanent mark on young Bhagat Singh’s mind.
• Witnessing the ruthless massacre of innocent civilians at the hands of British troops fueled his resolve to fight for India’s liberation.

Movements and Activities in which Bhagat Singh Participated

Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922)

• Bhagat Singh, like many young Indians, enthusiastically participated in Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, boycotting British institutions and goods.

Simon Commission Protest (1928)

• Bhagat Singh and his associates protested against the Simon Commission, which had no Indian members, by displaying black flags and shouting slogans in favor of complete independence.
• This marked his entry into Political activism.
• During the protest, Lala Lajpat Rai was injured in a police Lathi charge and later died.
• This event deeply moved Bhagat Singh, and he was determined to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death.

 Assembly Bombing (1929)

• In an attempt to seek revenge, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal smoke bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi to protest repressive laws.
• They were arrested but used the trial as a platform to promote their revolutionary ideas.
• Made Bhagat Singh a symbol of resistance against British rule.

Hunger Strike (1929)

• Bhagat Singh, along with other political prisoners, went on a hunger strike to demand better treatment for prisoners and recognition of their political status.

Lahore Conspiracy Case (1929-1930)

• It was a part of the revolutionary activities of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA).
• Bhagat Singh and his associates within the HSRA advocated armed revolution against British colonial rule.
• Objective: The conspiracy aimed to overthrow British rule through acts of violence and sabotage.

Central Jail Escape (1931)

• Bhagat Singh and his associates managed to escape from LahoreCentral Jail to protest against the unfair trial procedures.
• They left behind pamphlets explaining their actions.

Execution (1931)

• Bhagat Singh, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, was sentenced to death for his involvement in the murder of British police officer J.P. Saunders.
• Despite widespread protests and appeals for clemency, they were executed on March 23, 1931.
• March 23 is observed as Shaheed Diwas (Martyrs’ Day) in India.

Organizations Formed by Bhagat Singh

Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) (1924)

• Formation: HRA was established in 1924 with the aim of achieving India’s independence from British colonial rule.
• Leadership: Ram Prasad Bismil, Ashfaqulla Khan, and Chandrasekhar Azad.
• Objectives: HRA aimed to overthrow British imperialism and establish a democratic republic in India through armed struggle.
• Activities: Members engaged in revolutionary activities, including the Kakori Conspiracy of 1925, aimed at robbing the British government’s treasury to fund their cause.

Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)

• Formation: Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) underwent a transformation and reorganization in
• It was renamed the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) to reflect its socialist and revolutionary ideals.
• HSRA embraced socialist principles and aimed not only for political independence but also for social justice and the betterment of the masses.
• Leadership: Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad,
• Involved: the Central Legislative Assembly bombing in 1929, to protest repressive British laws.

Naujawan Bharat Sabha

• Bhagat Singh co-founded Naujawan Bharat Sabha,in 1926, a youth organization focused on promoting nationalist and anti-colonial sentiments.
• It provided a platform for young activists to engage in the freedom struggle.

Organizations Influenced by Bhagat Singh

Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army)

• Subhas Chandra Bose, inspired by Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary spirit, formed the Azad Hind Fauj, also known as the Indian National Army (INA), to fight for India’s freedom.

Relevance of Bhagat Singh’s Ideology in contemporary world

Bhagat Singh’s Vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

• In 1924, he penned the essay ‘Vishwa Prem’ to contemplate the real-world hurdles in achieving this dream.
• India’s G20 presidency highlighted Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam as a guiding philosophy derived from cultural ethos.
• Bhagat Singh noted that merely belonging to a religion was often enough to create enmity with another.

Bhagat Singh’s Rational Approach

• In ‘Why I am an Atheist,’ he criticized superficial political positions taken by some social reformers.
• He questioned whether those advocating universal brotherhood genuinely sought to bring about such an order. Drawing parallels with today’s society, where communal and caste hatred persists.

Weaponization of Nationalism

• Bhagat Singh’s ideology of inclusive nationalism, where “Inquilab Zindabad” meant a call for justice and unity, remains relevant today.
• For example, using slogans like “tukde tukde gangs” can deepen divisions. Labeling dissenters as “desh ke gaddaron ko” (traitors) can stifle healthy debate.
• Bhagat Singh’s legacy reminds us of the importance of unity and social justice, especially in times of polarization.

Youth Mobilization for Social Change

• Bhagat Singh’s ability to mobilize the youth for a greater cause remains a powerful example.
• Recent Example: Greta Thunberg, demanding action on climate change

Social Justice and Equity

• Bhagat Singh’s concern for the socio-economic disparities prevalent during his time aligns with ongoing struggles for social justice and equity
• Recent Example: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for equitable access to healthcare, education, and basic amenities, echoing Bhagat Singh’s concerns for the underprivileged.

Fight Against Injustice

• Movements like the #MeToo movement, which exposed sexual harassment, and protests against police brutality resonate with his fight against injustice.

Farmers’ Protests

• The recent farmers’ protests in India, demanding fair treatment and the repeal of contentious farm laws.
• Embody Bhagat Singh’s spirit of standing up against oppressive policies.

Adivasi movement in India

• It has also been inspired by the ideals of Bhagat Singh. The movement is fighting for the rights of Adivasis and for the protection of their land and culture.

Right to Information (RTI) movement in India

• It has also been inspired by the ideals of Bhagat Singh. The movement is fighting for transparency and accountability in government.

Bhagat Singh’s life and contributions to India’s freedom struggle continue to be a source of inspiration and a symbol of unwavering commitment to justice. Bhagat Singh’s message of secularism, youth empowerment, and commitment to justice serves as a guiding light for individuals and societies striving for a better future.

Source: LiveMint, The Hindu

Mains Question

Bhagat Singh’s legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians. Analyze his enduring relevance in contemporary India, considering the challenges and problems faced by the nation?