Bhagat Singh, one of India’s most revered freedom fighters, was born to Kishan Singh and Vidyavati Kaur in a patriotic Sikh family in Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan).
His father, Kishan Singh, was actively involved in the freedom movement and was associated with revolutionary activities, which greatly influenced Bhagat Singh from a young age.
His mother, Vidyavati Kaur, was known for her resilience and played a crucial role in shaping his values. Growing up in an environment filled with nationalist sentiments, Bhagat Singh developed a deep passion for India’s independence, eventually becoming a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the struggle against British rule.
Bhagat Singh was initially part of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) but later transformed it into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928, advocating for socialism alongside independence.
đź”´ Killing of J.P. Saunders (1928) In retaliation for the brutal lathi charge that led to Lala Lajpat Rai’s death, Bhagat Singh, along with Shivaram Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar, and Chandrashekhar Azad, planned the assassination of James Scott, the British police officer responsible. However, they mistakenly killed J.P. Saunders instead.
đź”´ Assembly Bombing (1929) On April 8, 1929, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi, shouting “Inquilab Zindabad!” (Long Live the Revolution). Instead of escaping, they courted arrest to use the trial as a platform to spread their message.
Bhagat Singh is more than a historical figure—he is an ideology, a philosophy, and an eternal source of inspiration. From students fighting for education to activists standing for justice, his fearless spirit continues to guide generations.
His life teaches us that true patriotism is not just about loving one’s country but about challenging injustice, embracing knowledge, and striving for a better future.
His actions, like the 1928 assassination of John Saunders (a response to the death of Lala Lajpat Rai) and the 1929 Assembly bombing, were not just acts of defiance but carefully planned protests meant to awaken the masses.
He wanted people to question tyranny and break free from the chains of servitude.
Bhagat Singh was a revolutionary freedom fighter known for his intellect, courage, and radical approach to India’s independence movement. Here are some unique and lesser-known facts about him:
1. Avid Reader and Intellectual
Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by socialist and Marxist ideologies. He read books by Lenin, Karl Marx, and Victor Hugo while in prison. His personal library included over 150 books on politics, philosophy, and revolution.
2. Coined the Slogan “Inquilab Zindabad”
Though often associated with him, the slogan “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long Live the Revolution) was originally coined by Maulana Hasrat Mohani. However, Bhagat Singh and his associates popularized it as a war cry for India’s independence.
3. Master of Disguise
To evade British surveillance after the 1928 killing of J.P. Saunders, Bhagat Singh shaved his beard and cut his hair—breaking Sikh religious traditions—to disguise himself. He escaped from Lahore dressed as a British gentleman.
4. Wrote His Own Jail Diary
Bhagat Singh maintained a diary in jail, where he noted revolutionary ideas, quotes from philosophers like Rousseau and Marx, and his thoughts on British rule.
5. Hunger Strike for Prisoners’ Rights
While in jail, he led a historic 116-day hunger strike demanding better treatment for Indian political prisoners. His resilience gained massive public support across India.
6. Desired a Trial by Gunfire
In his last days, Bhagat Singh wished to be executed by a firing squad instead of being hanged, considering himself a warrior. However, the British rejected his request.
7. Wrote “Why I Am an Atheist”
Bhagat Singh wrote a powerful essay, Why I Am an Atheist, while in prison, explaining his rejection of religion and his belief in rationalism and humanism.
8. Was Only 23 at the Time of Execution
On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were executed in Lahore Jail. The British authorities secretly hanged them ahead of schedule to avoid public protests.
For a visual glimpse into Bhagat Singh’s life, here are some rare photographs:
Bhagat Singh in Contemplation: A rare image capturing Singh during his imprisonment, reflecting his resolve and determination.
Family Portrait: A photograph featuring Bhagat Singh with his family, highlighting the personal side of the revolutionary.
Historic Document: An image of the First Information Report (FIR) filed against Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt following the assembly bombing incident.
Bhagat Singh, a prominent figure in India’s struggle for independence, was not only a revolutionary but also a prolific writer and thinker. Born on September 27, 1907, in the Lyallpur district of British India (now in Pakistan), he hailed from a family deeply involved in the freedom movement.
In his formative years, Singh was influenced by the prevailing political climate and the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which intensified his commitment to India’s liberation. He was an avid reader, delving into works of literature, history, and political theory. Singh’s intellectual pursuits led him to embrace atheism and Marxist ideologies, diverging from the religious beliefs of his family.
One of the lesser-known aspects of Bhagat Singh’s life is his extensive writing under various pseudonyms. He contributed articles to Punjabi and Urdu newspapers, articulating his vision for an independent India and critiquing British colonial rule. His essay, “Why I Am an Atheist,” penned in 1930, offers profound insights into his rationalist and humanist beliefs.
Singh’s revolutionary activities were marked by bold actions, including the assembly bombing in Delhi in 1929, intended as a protest against repressive laws. Despite opportunities to escape, he chose to surrender, viewing the ensuing trial as a platform to propagate his ideas. During his imprisonment, Singh embarked on a 116-day hunger strike, demanding equal rights for Indian prisoners, which garnered significant public attention and support.
Executed on March 23, 1931, at the young age of 23, Bhagat Singh’s legacy continues to inspire generations. His fearless dedication, intellectual depth, and unwavering commitment to justice have cemented his status as a martyr and a symbol of resistance against oppression.
With British forces on high alert, Bhagat Singh knew he had to escape Lahore without arousing suspicion. His plan was both simple and genius.
Shaving His Beard & Cutting His Hair: As a devout Sikh, Bhagat Singh had long hair and a beard, which made him easily recognizable. But knowing the risk, he did something unthinkable—he shaved his beard and cut his hair, disguising himself as a clean-shaven British gentleman. This was a huge personal sacrifice, as it went against his Sikh identity, but he prioritized the revolution over personal beliefs.
Dressing Like an Englishman: To blend in, Bhagat Singh wore a well-fitted Western-style suit, complete with a hat, instead of a turban. This drastic change in appearance made him unrecognizable even to those who knew him.
Boarding a Train in Broad Daylight: Instead of hiding, he walked confidently through Lahore Railway Station, holding an English-language newspaper and pretending to be a sophisticated traveler. Accompanying him was Durga Devi Vohra, the wife of fellow revolutionary Bhagwati Charan Vohra. She posed as his wife, and they were accompanied by a child to make their disguise even more convincing.
Fooling the British Police: The British were actively searching for a Sikh revolutionary with long hair and a turban. They never imagined that the man they were looking for was right in front of them, disguised as a gentleman. Bhagat Singh and his group successfully boarded a train to Howrah (Kolkata) and escaped.
