Pseudonyms for Safety: Bhagat Singh’s Secret Identities
To evade British surveillance and continue his revolutionary activities, Bhagat Singh used multiple pseudonyms throughout his life. These aliases allowed him to travel discreetly, communicate securely, and publish articles without immediate detection by the colonial authorities. Some of his notable pseudonyms include:
1. Balwant Singh
- After the Lahore Conspiracy Case, Bhagat Singh needed to go underground. He used the name Balwant Singh while escaping after assassinating John Saunders in 1928.
- This alias helped him evade police while traveling across cities.
2. Ranjit Singh
- During his revolutionary activities, Bhagat Singh often used Ranjit Singh to avoid identification, especially in his correspondence and secret meetings with fellow revolutionaries.
3. Shaheed Bhagat Singh (Self-Adopted in Writings)
- Though he did not refer to himself as a martyr before his death, in some of his writings and slogans, he embraced the title “Shaheed” (Martyr) Bhagat Singh, symbolizing his commitment to sacrificing everything for India’s freedom.
4. Vidrohi (The Rebel) – Pen Name for Articles
- Bhagat Singh was a prolific writer and contributed powerful anti-British articles to newspapers like Kirti and Pratap. To protect his identity, he used the pen name “Vidrohi” (meaning “Rebel” in Hindi).
5. Name Change After Disguising Himself
- After the killing of John Saunders, Bhagat Singh cut his long hair and shaved his beard, adopting a completely new look. This was a drastic step for a Sikh, but it was necessary to avoid capture.
- He then dressed in Western attire, wearing a hat instead of a turban, making it easier for him to move around unnoticed.
Why These Pseudonyms Were Necessary
- British intelligence was constantly tracking revolutionaries. Using different names helped Bhagat Singh continue his work.
- It allowed him to publish radical ideas in newspapers without getting arrested immediately.
- He could travel across India without raising suspicion.
Bhagat Singh’s ability to adapt and use multiple identities played a crucial role in keeping the revolutionary movement alive. His strategic use of pseudonyms shows how deeply he understood the importance of secrecy in fighting against oppression.