23 March Shaheed Diwas Martyrs’ Day Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, revolutionary hero of the Indian National Movement

23 March Shaheed Diwas Martyrs’ Day Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, revolutionary hero of the Indian National Movement. This day 23 March is celebrated every year as Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day in honour of the legendary revolutionary leader’s Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev who laid down their life on 23 March 1931.

Shaheed Diwas, or Martyrs’ Day, stands as a solemn occasion to honor the extraordinary sacrifices of India’s revolutionary icons – Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru. Their unwavering commitment to India’s independence struggle and their unyielding resolve in the face of adversity have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. Let’s delve into the intricate details of their lives and the profound impact they had on the Indian national movement.

Early Life of Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh was born in a Sikh family to Sardar Kishan Singh Sandhu and Vidyavati in the village Banga in Lyallpur district of Punjab (now in Pakistan), on 28 September 1907. Bhagat Singh finished his primary education at Banga. Thereafter, he went to Lahore to join a secondary school. His childhood witnessed the stories of exploits of his uncle and father. The Ghadar Movement left a deep impact on his mind. Martyr Kartar Singh Sarabha had become his idol.

In 1923, Bhagat Singh won an essay competition organised by the Punjab Hindi Sahitya Sammelan. This grabbed the attention of members of the Punjab Hindi Sahitya Sammelan including its General Secretary, Professor Bhim Sen Vidyalankar. Bhagat Singh read the teachings of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels and Vladimir Lenin and believed that, such large and diverse population of India could only survive under a socialist regime. He deeply studied the lives of the revolutionaries of Ireland, Italy and Russia. The more he read, the deeper grew his belief that war alone could bring freedom to the country. He was convinced that the youth of the land should be inspired to turn to revolution and the very thought of fighting for freedom should thrill the young men.

Early Life of Sukhdev Thapar

Sukhdev Thapar, born on May 15, 1907, in in Lyallpur, Punjab (now in Pakistan), came from a family with a strong tradition of nationalist sentiments. His father, Ramlal Thapar, was actively involved in social and political activities, which greatly influenced Sukhdev’s worldview. He grew up in an environment where the struggle for independence was a recurring theme. Sukhdev’s early education took place in Lyallpur. At the age of five he got admission in Arya High School.

In 1922, he passed his High School exams. After that he went to Lahore for further studies. But his heart was somewhere else. He was a revolutionary and in Lahore he came into contact with another revolutionary, Bhagat Singh. Both were the students of D.A.V. College Lahore. They joined hands with several other young men and formed a group, which later became an organisation. Chandra Shekhar Azad, Jatindra Nath Das and Sachindra Nath Sanyal were the guiding forces behind the organisation. This organisation was very active in Punjab that made the British Government nervous and alert.

Early Life of Shivaram Rajguru

Shivram Hari ‘Rajguru’ was born in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on 24 August 1908. His father Hari Rajguru belonged to Poona. ‘Rajguru’ was the title of his family. His parents expired when he was only six years old. His elder brother, Dinkar Hari ‘Rajguru’ took care of him. Shivram Hari ‘Rajguru’ was admitted to a Marathi school for his primary education. Rajguru, however, was more interested in sports rather than studies. In 1924, he left his home without telling anybody.

Revolutionary Activities of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Shukhdev

Joining the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA):

Inspired by the ideals of socialism and armed revolution, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru joined forces with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). Under the leadership of stalwarts like Chandrashekhar Azad and Ram Prasad Bismil, the HSRA aimed to overthrow British rule through militant means.

Acts of Defiance:

The trio actively participated in various acts of defiance against the British Raj. They distributed revolutionary literature, organized protests, and targeted British officials who symbolized colonial oppression. Their most audacious act was the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi on April 8, 1929, to protest against the draconian Public Safety Bill.

The Central Legislative Assembly Bombing:

In 1927-28, the Government wanted to introduce ‘Labour Bill’ to crush the labour movement in the country. Various political parties along with the public were opposing this Bill. Bhagat Singh decided to express his opposition by throwing a bomb and pamphlets in the Central Assembly. On 29 April 1929, during the proceedings of the House, he and Batukeshwar Dutt threw a bomb in the Assembly. The bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly was a watershed moment in the Indian independence movement. Though intended to be non-lethal, the bombing aimed to draw attention to the Indian people’s discontent with British rule. Bhagat Singh and his associates evaded capture for several months after the incident.

The Killing of J.P. Saunders:

In an act of retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai during a protest against the Simon Commission, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev planned and executed the killing of British police officer J.P. Saunders on December 17, 1928. This act marked a turning point in their revolutionary journey and intensified the British government’s efforts to capture them.

Trial and Martyrdom on 23 March Shaheed Diwas:

Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were arrested for their involvement in the killing of J.P. Saunders. During the trial, they displayed remarkable courage and resilience, refusing to plead guilty despite facing brutal torture and intimidation. After the trial, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were awarded death sentence on 7 October 1930.

Bhagat Singh’s father sent a mercy petition for his son. Bhagat Singh did not like it and wrote a letter to his father, in which he said, “I know you have sacrificed your whole life for the independence of the country, but I cannot understand why you have shown this weakness at this crucial hour. My life is not as valuable as you think. For me life is not so important as to sacrifice values and principles. My other colleagues are also there who will also meet the same fate. We all stand together. I do not care as to what price I have to pay for our joint action.”

On 3 March 1931, the family members of Bhagat Singh came to meet him in the jail. This was their last meeting and all were very depressed. But Bhagat Singh was meeting everyone with a smiling face. He told his mother, “Do not come to take my body because you will not be able to hold back your tears and people will say that Bhagat Singh’s mother is weeping.” He laughed so loudly that all the inmates and officials of the jail were equally astonished.

On 23 March 1931, Bhagat Singh was reading the biography of Lenin, when an officer of the jail came and said, “Sardarji, the time of your death sentence has come.” He replied, “Wait. A revolutionary is meeting another revolutionary.” And then after a while he said, “I am ready now.” He was hanged at 7.33 pm on 23 March 1931. Since then 23 March Shaheed Diwas is observed every year.

Shivram Rajguru was arrested in a motor garage. Their information took them to Poona on September 30, 1928.In the court of law Rajguru was charged with murder of Saunders, along with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev. 23 March 1931 was the fateful day when Rajguru was to be hanged along with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev. As the jail authorities came to his cell in the evening, he stated, “Our time to die has come.” As the sun set in the horizon, the three heroic comrades were hanged for the cause of their motherland, and became immortal.

Sukhdev participated in the 1929 Prison Hunger Strike to protest against the inhuman treatment meted out to the inmates. During the period of trial he was indifferent towards his case because he was not expecting justice from the enemy’s court. On 23 March 1931, Sukhdev was hanged at Lahore jail along with his dear friends Bhagat Singh and Rajguru. Since then 23 March Shaheed Diwas is observed every year.

Sukhdev wrote a letter to Mahatma Gandhi just prior to his hanging, protesting against the latter’s disapproval of revolutionary tactics. This letter throws light on the disparities between the two major schools of thought among the Indian freedom fighters. Gandhiji was negotiating with the Government for the release of political prisoners not convicted of violence. On the other side, he was also appealing to the revolutionaries to stop their activities, as he believed that freedom could not be achieved through violence. The letter was published in ‘Young India’ on 23 April 1931, after the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.

On March 23, 1931, they were sentenced to death and hanged in Lahore Central Jail, immortalizing their sacrifice in the annals of Indian history. Since then 23 March Shaheed Diwas is observed every year.

Literary Contributions and Ideological Impact:

Bhagat Singh’s Writings: Bhagat Singh was not only a revolutionary but also an avid writer and thinker. His writings, including his prison diary and essays on socialism and revolution, reflect his deep intellectual commitment to the cause of Indian independence. He articulated his vision for a free and egalitarian society, inspiring countless others to join the struggle for freedom.

Sukhdev Thapar’s Ideals: Sukhdev Thapar’s speeches and writings played a crucial role in shaping the ideological underpinnings of the revolutionary movement. His clarity of thought and unwavering commitment to the cause of independence inspired his comrades and galvanized the masses to join the struggle against British imperialism.

Shivaram Rajguru’s Legacy: Shivaram Rajguru’s unwavering courage and steadfast dedication to the cause of freedom continue to inspire generations of Indians. His sacrifice serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices made by countless revolutionaries in the fight against colonial oppression.

Legacy and Inspiration

The martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru left an indelible mark on the Indian national movement. Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom continue to inspire generations of Indians to uphold the values of justice, equality, and liberty.

Naujawan Bharat Sabha: Sardar Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev formed Naujawan Bharat Sabha at Lahore. Its main objective was to give political education to young men so that the message of evolution travelled fast. Initially Bhagat Singh was its leader and later this work was given to Sukhdev. Sukhdev worked very well. He brought raw material from different sources for a bomb factory.

Slogans

“Inquilab Zindabad!” (Long Live the Revolution!) – Bhagat Singh

Books by Bhagat Singh

– “Why I Am an Atheist”
– “The Jail Notebook and Other Writings”
– “Bhagat Singh’s Jail Diary and Other Writings”

As we observe 23 March Shaheed Diwas, let us pay homage to the unparalleled bravery and sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru. Their legacy serves as a guiding light for future generations, urging us to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and freedom. May their ideals continue to inspire us to strive for a better and brighter India.

Click here to know more about Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev

Govt. of India program on 23 March Shaheed Diwas