Shaheed Bhagat Singh शहीद भगत सिंह

My Dear Indians,

Today is the Birthday of Shaheed Bhagat Singh शहीद भगत सिंह

1907- 28 September- Bhagat Singh was born in a place called 'Banga' in Faisalabad Punjab (now a part of Pakistan).

His father’s name was Sardar Kishan Singh

His mother’s name was Vidyavati

Bhagat Singh भगत सिंह

 

1919- April 13- On this day British Officer Reginald Dyer committed the heinous crime of firing at and killing unarmed Indians who had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar. Bhagat Singh was disturbed by this tragedy.

As a student he joined National College in Lahore. This college was set up by Lala Lajpat Rai. He was of the view that Indian students should avoid schools that were run by the British.

It was National College, Lahore where Bhagat Singh met his companion of life and death- Sukhdev Thapar (remembered in history as Sukhdev).  

Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev joined a revolutionary organization called Hindustan Republican Association. This organization was set up by Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil 

Name of the organization was later changed to Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) on the suggestion of Bhagat Singh.

Other prominent members of HSRA were Chandrashekhar Azad, Batukeshwar Dutt and Shivram Hari Rajguru (remembered in history as ‘Rajguru’) who was the other companion of Bhagat Singh in life and death.

1928- The British government set up the ‘Simon Commission’ headed by Sir John Simon to report on the political situation in India. When ‘Simon Commission’ arrived in India, Lala Lajpat Rai led a protest in Lahore against Simon Commission. British Police Superintendent James Scott ordered a lathi charge on the protesters. Lala Lajpat Rai was grievously injured and later passed away. Hindustan Socialist Republic Association (HSRA) vowed revenge.

1928- December 17- Bhagat Singh, Shivram Hari Rajguru and Chandrashekhar Azad killed British Police Officer John Saunders instead of James Scott because of mistaken identity.

Bhagat Singh and other members of HSRA were trained in bomb-making by Jatin Das 

1929- April 8- Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a non-lethal bomb in Central Legislative Assembly (now known as Parliament House in New Delhi). This was to protest against Public Safety Bill, and the Trade Dispute Act. The bombs were thrown such that no one was injured. Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt had decided to get themselves arrested. The intention was to make NEWS that would reach every Indian and make them aware of the freedom struggle. The regular court hearings that Bhagat Singh and his companions attended also created awareness.

Sukhdev, Rajguru and Jatin Das were also arrested by the British. 

 

Because of the court hearings that got wide publicity, Bhagat Singh and his companions became very popular with the common Indians. The revolutionary fight for freedom became more popular than the 'ahinsa' अहिंसा ways of Gandhi Ji.

1931- March 23- Bhagat Singh, Shivram Hari Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar were hanged to death by the British Govt.

Bhagat Singh was just 23 year young then.

 

My Dear Indians,

Bhagat Singh could have lived a peaceful and private life with his family. But he chose to take responsibility in public life and fight for the freedom of ALL Indians. 

Our country is what it is because of those who selflessly worked for the larger good, who took upon themselves the responsibility of working for the benefit of ALL.

We should also come forward and take responsibility in public life.

हम भी आराम उठा सकते थे घर पर रह कर
हम को भी पाला था माँ बाप ने दुःख सह-सह कर  

This is what our martyrs wish to tell us.

 

Jai Hind !

Gaurav Negi