Indian independence was a struggle of self-respect and freedom not only for oneself but for the future generations. We owe our martyrs this free land, air and water, which was not free once upon a time.
Our history is full of sacrifices. We can never repay our freedom fighters. Young men, instead of going about their life, stood firm and fought for Independence, that they may not live to enjoy. One such brave heart youngster was Bhagat Singh.
September 27, 1907, was a blessed day for India, as that was the day that brought Bhagat Singh to the world. He was born to Kishan Singh and Vidyavati in Lyallpur, Punjab (Now in Pakistan). Bhagat developed a great sense of patriotism from a very young age, as his family was conscious politically. His father and uncles were jailed for protesting against the colonisation bill. He belonged to a family of patriots, with a mind for revolution. Singh, attended Dayanand Anglo Vedic High School and then the National college for his education.
During is younger years, he followed Mahatma Gandhi and his Non-Cooperation movement. He went about setting fire to Government sponsored publications and openly resisted the British. But he was disappointed when Gandhi abandoned the movement after the Chauri Chaura incident. He stopped following Gandhi and his non-violent ways. The young, hot-blooded man chose to be part of the ‘Young Revolutionary Movement’.
The ‘Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’ while he was in his teens, and that strengthened his patriotism and fight for freedom. He was revolutionary, who first fought with his pen. He wrote articles against the British Government and advocating the Marxist theories. It is said that it was Bhagat Singh who popularised the slogan, ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ meaning ‘long live the revolution’.
Another incident that angered Singh, was the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, during a silent protest against the Simon Commission. Bhagat with fellow revolutionaries plotted to kill the chief of police who was responsible for the death of Lala ji. But another officer named J. P. Saunders was killed, following which Singh had to flee from Lahore. In the year 1929, he along with an associate bombed the Central Legislative Assembly protesting against the implementation of Defence of India Act. The bombing was meant to bring attention and nobody was harmed, following which Bhagat Singh surrendered. A trial was conducted, and Bhagat Singh was sentenced to death.
On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged at the Lahore jail at 7.30 in the morning. That day India incurred a huge loss. A young man, hardly 24 years of age had the courage to face death with a smile. This youthful man is an example of the ‘epitome of patriotism’.
Everytime I read about Bhagat Singh; I get goosebumps. I am always going to be indebted to him.
Quoting Bhagat Singh; “They may kill me, but they cannot kill my ideas. They can crush my body, but they will not be able to crush my spirit.”