March 23 marks the 91st martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, one of India’s most iconic freedom fighters. While Bhagat Singh is widely celebrated as a fiery nationalist and anti-colonial revolutionary, his legacy extends far beyond his martyrdom. He was a profound political thinker, a prolific writer, and a visionary who dreamt of a society free not only from colonial rule but also from the shackles of caste, religion, and superstition. His ideas on socialism, atheism, and universal brotherhood remain as relevant today as they were during India’s struggle for independence.
Bhagat Singh: More Than a Martyr
Bhagat Singh’s image as a fearless revolutionary is well-known, but his intellectual depth and ideological clarity are often overlooked. During his two-year imprisonment before his execution on March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh maintained a Jail Notebook, which offers a glimpse into his intellectual pursuits. He read and admired works by thinkers like Karl Marx, Frederick Engels, V.I. Lenin, Bertrand Russell, and Rabindranath Tagore. His writings reveal that he embraced Marxism as his political ideology, advocating for a classless society and the end of capitalist exploitation.
It is ironic that today, some right-wing groups attempt to appropriate Bhagat Singh’s legacy, given his staunch opposition to communalism and his commitment to secularism and socialism. His vision for India was rooted in equality, justice, and the eradication of social and economic disparities.
Universal Brotherhood and Social Revolution
Bhagat Singh’s writings reflect his deep commitment to universal brotherhood and social revolution. In his 1924 essay “Universal Brotherhood,” he emphasized the need for Indians to rise against oppression and indignity. He wrote, “Be prepared to die so that Mother India may live. Then and then alone our country will be free, and we will be empowered to preach universal brotherhood and force the world to walk on the path of peace.”
For Bhagat Singh, freedom was not just about political independence but also about transforming society. He believed that true liberation required the eradication of caste, religious discrimination, and superstition. His vision was of an India where people of all backgrounds could unite under the banner of common nationalism.
Separation of Religion and Politics
Bhagat Singh was a staunch advocate for the separation of religion and politics. In June 1928, he wrote about the importance of keeping religion out of political discourse, stating, “If religion is separated from politics, then all of us can jointly initiate political activities, even though in matters of religion we might have many differences with each other.” He believed that this approach was essential to unite Indians and prevent the divisive forces of communalism from tearing the nation apart.
Why I Am an Atheist
One of Bhagat Singh’s most famous essays, “Why I Am an Atheist,” was written during his imprisonment. In it, he critiqued the concept of God and religion, arguing that faith often serves as a crutch for those in distress. He questioned, “Why does your omnipotent God not stop every person when he is committing any sin or offence? Why does he not produce a sentiment in the minds of the British people to liberate India?”
Bhagat Singh’s atheism was not born out of arrogance but from a rational and critical examination of the world around him. He believed that true courage lay in facing life’s challenges without relying on divine intervention. His essay remains a powerful critique of blind faith and a call for rational thinking and self-reliance.
The Hunger Strike and Jail Reforms
While in jail, Bhagat Singh, along with his comrades Sukhdev, Rajguru, and Jatin Das, led a 116-day hunger strike to demand better treatment for political prisoners. Their protest sought to highlight the inhumane conditions in Indian jails and the disparity in treatment between Indian and European prisoners.
The strike claimed the life of Jatin Das, who died after 63 days of fasting. His death sparked nationwide outrage, with nearly six lakh people gathering at the Howrah station to pay their respects. Jawaharlal Nehru, who visited Bhagat Singh and Jatin Das during the strike, was deeply moved by their resolve. In his autobiography, Nehru described Bhagat Singh as having an “attractive, intellectual face, remarkably calm and peaceful,” and praised their sacrifice as a testament to their unwavering commitment to justice.
Admiration for Nehru and Bose
Bhagat Singh held great admiration for Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose, whom he saw as the torchbearers of India’s youth movement. In 1928, he wrote, “The most important young leaders in the present scenario are Bengal’s Subhas Chandra Bose and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. These two leaders are making their presence felt and are participating in the movements of the youth in a big way.”
He urged the youth of Punjab to follow Nehru’s revolutionary ideas, emphasizing the need for intellectual awakening and a clear understanding of the meaning of Inquilab (revolution).
A Message for the Youth and the Press
Bhagat Singh’s final message to the youth was one of courage, perseverance, and selflessness. Just weeks before his execution, he advised, “Crush your individuality first, shake off the dreams of personal comfort. Then start to work. Inch by inch, you shall have to proceed. It needs courage, perseverance, and very strong determination.”
He also had a message for the press, urging newspapers to educate the public and promote national unity. “The real duty of the newspapers is to cleanse the minds of the people, to save them from narrow sectarian divisiveness, and to eradicate communal feelings to promote the idea of common nationalism.”
Legacy of Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh’s life and writings continue to inspire generations. His vision of a free, egalitarian, and secular India remains a guiding light for those fighting against oppression and injustice. As we commemorate his martyrdom, let us remember Bhagat Singh not just as a revolutionary but as a thinker, a writer, and a visionary who dared to dream of a better world.
His call for Inquilab revolution was not just a cry for political freedom but a demand for social and economic justice. In an era marked by division and inequality, Bhagat Singh’s ideas remind us of the power of unity, rational thinking, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of justice and equality.
Let us honor his legacy by striving to build the India he dreamed of a nation free from oppression, discrimination, and injustice. Long live the revolution!
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