“Likh Raha Hoon Main Anjaam…Jiska Kal Aagaz Aayega…Mere Lahu Ka Har Ek Katra Inqilab Layega….” ~ Bhagat Singh, the brave son of India, the beloved martyr, whose sacrifice inspired millions of people to fight for their country.
Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary freedom fighter who was hanged to death by the Britishers at the young age of 23 years. His early execution made him a national hero of the Indian freedom struggle against colonial rule. On Shaheed Diwas, we bring to you some lesser-known facts about the valiant martyr:
1. When he was born, his grandmother called him Bhagwanwala (child of God).
2. Do you know Bhagat Singh’s father, Kishan Singh, and two of his uncles were also freedom fighters? They were in jail for playing an active role in the freedom movement. In fact, both were released from jail the day Bhagat Singh was born!
3. Bhagat Singh had a really impressive academic record. He was also quite popular among colleges for his theatre skills.
4. To keep himself inspired to fight fiercely for India’s struggle, Bhagat Singh carried a small bottle that had the blood-stained mud from the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
5. He carried a photo of his idol Kartar Singh Sarabha everywhere.
6. At the time of joining the Hindustan Republican Association, he was only a teen!
7. As per the records, this is the last known photo of Bhagat Singh. It was taken when he was arrested in July 1927.
8. Bhagat Singh was a Sikh by birth. But, he was so committed to India’s freedom movement, that he shaved his beard and cut his hair to avoid arrest in Lahore.
9. In his inspiring letter to Sukhdev, in April 1929, Bhagat Singh wrote, “I emphasize that I am full of ambition and hope and of full charm of life. But I can renounce all at the time of need, and that is the real sacrifice.”
10. He was the man behind the powerful slogan – ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ (Long live revolution). He and Batukeshwar Dutt shouted this slogan when they threw bombs in the Central Assembly Hall. While no one was harmed, they did not resist arrest either.
11. To demand the same rights for Indian prisoners as European prisoners, Bhagat Singh went on a fast for 116 days in jail. Finally, his demands were met.
12. When Bhagat Singh was in jail, Saunder’s murder case was re-opened. He was proven to be guilty and was eventually hanged as part of the Lahore conspiracy case.
13. Bhagat Singh always had a smile on his face whenever he shouted slogans against the British Raj.
14. On 23rd March at 7:30 pm, Bhagat Singh was hanged. It was 11 hours before the scheduled time.
15. Scared of public riots, the authorities broke the rear wall of the jail and cremated him in secret, along with Raj Guru and Sukhdev near the Sutlej river. Their ashes were thrown in the river.
As we breathe in free India, we cannot forget the sacrifice of brave souls like Shaheed Bhagat Singh. We salute our beloved martyr, who crossed all the boundaries to fight for the motherland!