Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh's birth anniversary (September 28) is being commemorated, prompting discussions about his legacy and ideological contributions beyond his portrayal as a mere revolutionary figure. The media is reflecting on his multifaceted personality and thoughts, emphasizing the importance of understanding his philosophies in the context of contemporary issues.

Who Was Bhagat Singh (1907-1931)?

• Bhagat Singh was born on September 28, 1907 in the village of Banga in Lyallpurdistrict (present-day Faisalabad, Pakistan).
• He was an influential Indian revolutionary, great patriot, socialist revolutionary and freedom fighter known for his activism against British colonial rule.
• He supported Mahatma Gandhi in the Non-Cooperation Movement and was affected by the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) and the violence against unarmed Akali protestors at Nankana Sahib (1921). 
• He founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in the year 1926 to encourage the peasants and workers to fight against British rule. He was the secretary of that organisation.
• Singh joined the Kirti Kisan Party in 1926 in Lahore. He started writing for ‘Kirti’ and wrote against the atrocities of the British.
• In 1928, the Hindustan Socialist Association (HSRA) was also established by him, along with Sukhdev, Chandrasekhar Azad and others.
• The main events which changed the course of the life of Bhagat Singh leading to his early martyrdom at the age of 23 were the –
  • the Rowlatt Act
  • the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
  • the Non-Cooperation Movement
  • the event at Chauri-Chaura
  • the Kakori Train Conspiracy
  • the Central Assembly bombing at Delhi
• In 1931, Singh was executed (along with his comrades, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru) at the age of 23 for murdering British police officer John Saunders, becoming a martyr and an icon of resistance against imperialism in India.
• His Ideologies and Contributions
• Universal Brotherhood: Singh emphasized the concept of universal love and equality, advocating for a world without class divisions and communal strife. His early writings reflected his vision of a harmonious society where economic disparities and conflicts were eradicated.
• Critique of Religion and Faith: An outspoken atheist, Singh viewed organized religion as a barrier to social progress. He argued for a rational approach to life, challenging traditional beliefs that hindered humanity's advancement.
• Political Activism and Youth Engagement: He strongly believed that students should engage in political activism. Singh argued that education must encompass an understanding of socio-political conditions, encouraging youth to actively participate in the struggle for their rights.
• Social Justice and Untouchability: Singh addressed the plight of untouchables and marginalized communities, urging them to recognize their historical contributions and unite for social and political emancipation.
• Revolutionary Thought: His writings articulated a clear vision for revolution, advocating for the complete overthrow of the existing social order in favor of a socialist framework. He saw revolution as essential for societal progress, opposing complacency and advocating for continuous change.
• Romanticism and Human Emotion: Beyond his political writings, Singh valued human emotions, particularly love, as a transformative force in personal and political life. He believed that true love could elevate human character and strengthen individuals in the face of adversity.
• Eclectic Literary Influences: Singh's intellectual development was shaped by a diverse range of influences, including Marxism, anarchism, and various literary figures. His writings reflect a deep engagement with global revolutionary thought, positioning him as a thinker of international significance.