Revolutionary Thinker
Bhagat Singh was not just a freedom fighter but a revolutionary thinker, socialist, and one of the most influential voices of the Indian independence movement. Deeply inspired by Marxist ideologies, he dreamed of an India free from both colonial rule and social injustice. As an atheist, he boldly challenged religious orthodoxy, advocating for rational thought and equality.
Timeline of a Revolutionary
1907 - Birth
Bhagat Singh was born in Banga village, Punjab, into a family of patriots deeply involved in the freedom struggle. His revolutionary spirit was rooted in this legacy.
1919 - The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
At just 12 years old, he was deeply shaken by the brutal massacre of innocent Indians by British troops. This incident ignited his hatred for colonial rule and shaped his revolutionary mindset.
1926 - Naujawan Bharat Sabha
He founded this socialist youth organization to mobilize students, peasants, and workers against British imperialism. It aimed to create political awareness and encourage revolutionary ideals.
1928 - Formation of HRSA
Bhagat Singh and his comrades transformed the Hindustan Republican Association into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association, underlining their commitment to socialism as a path to true freedom.
1928 - Assassination of John Saunders
To avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who was beaten by police during a protest, Bhagat Singh and Rajguru mistakenly killed British officer John Saunders. It was a bold act of retribution against colonial brutality.
1929 - Central Assembly Bombing
He and Batukeshwar Dutt threw low-intensity bombs in the Central Assembly,not to kill, but to protest oppressive laws. Shouting “Inquilab Zindabad,” they surrendered, turning the trial into a platform for their cause.
1929 - Historic Hunger Strike
In jail, Bhagat Singh led a 116-day hunger strike demanding equal rights for Indian political prisoners. His resolve drew national attention and revealed the cruelty of British prison conditions.
1931 - Martyrdom
On March 23, 1931, at the age of just 23, Bhagat Singh was executed alongside Rajguru and Sukhdev. Their sacrifice became a symbol of courage, resistance, and the dream of a free, just India.
The Mind of the Man
Bhagat Singh was not just a man of action,he was a profound thinker whose ideas were far ahead of his time.
On Revolution
“Revolution is an inalienable right of mankind. Freedom is an imperishable birthright of all.” For Bhagat Singh, revolution wasn't limited to armed struggle,it meant a total transformation of society. He envisioned a world free of oppression, inequality, and exploitation, where justice and liberty prevailed.
On Atheism
In his powerful essay “Why I Am an Atheist,” he rejected religious dogma and questioned blind faith—not out of arrogance, but as a result of reason and intellectual honesty. His atheism reflected his stand against communalism and sectarian violence that divided India.
On Socialism
Bhagat Singh strongly believed that true freedom must be economic and social. He envisioned a socialist India where wealth and power were not hoarded by a few, but equally shared among all especially workers, farmers, and the poor.
The Legacy
Bhagat Singh lives on not only as a martyr but as a symbol of fearless youth and critical thought.
- He continues to be an icon of modern Indian youth, admired for his courage and conviction.
- His life has inspired countless books, songs, plays, and films, each retelling his story to new generations.
- His slogan "Inquilab Zindabad" (Long live the revolution) still echoes through the streets during protests and movements demanding justice and change.