Introduction
The meeting between Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad was a significant moment in India’s revolutionary movement against British rule. These two legendary freedom fighters, who shared a vision of complete independence through armed struggle, came together in the late 1920s and played a pivotal role in shaping the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). Their camaraderie and shared revolutionary zeal laid the foundation for some of the most daring actions against the British Raj.
Background of Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad
Bhagat Singh, born on September 28, 1907, in Banga, Punjab, grew up in a politically active family. His father and uncles were involved in India’s struggle for independence. Inspired by figures like Kartarpur Singh Sarabha and Lala Lajpat Rai, he was drawn towards radical nationalist movements from a young age. Bhagat Singh was an ardent believer in socialism and sought revolutionary means to overthrow British rule.
Chandrashekhar Azad, born on July 23, 1906, in Bhavra, Madhya Pradesh, became a revolutionary after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919. His first encounter with the British government was during the Non-Cooperation Movement, where he was arrested at the age of 15. He famously declared his name as “Azad” (meaning free) in court, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to India’s freedom. He later joined the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) and became a prominent leader in the revolutionary movement.
The Meeting of Two Revolutionaries
The first meeting between Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad is believed to have taken place in 1928 in Delhi. At that time, Azad was already an established revolutionary and a close associate of Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfaqulla Khan, the masterminds behind the Kakori Train Robbery (1925). Meanwhile, Bhagat Singh, who had been active in Lahore’s nationalist circles, was seeking ways to intensify the fight against the British.
Bhagat Singh admired Azad’s courage and commitment to the cause, while Azad saw great potential in Bhagat Singh’s intellectual approach to revolution. Their meeting was arranged by fellow revolutionaries, as both had similar goals and ideological inclinations.
Bhagat Singh’s Induction into HSRA
At the time of their meeting, Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) was transitioning into the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), incorporating socialist ideals. Azad, who was a firm believer in armed resistance, found Bhagat Singh’s vision of socialism and mass mobilization to be complementary to his ideology. This meeting marked the beginning of Bhagat Singh’s active role in HSRA.
Bhagat Singh and Azad quickly developed mutual respect. While Azad was a master of guerrilla tactics and weaponry, Bhagat Singh contributed strategic planning and ideological direction. Azad recognized Bhagat Singh’s leadership qualities and soon accepted him as one of the key members of the organization.
Collaboration in Revolutionary Activities
After their initial meeting, Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad worked together on multiple revolutionary activities. Some of their most significant collaborations include:
1. Planning the Assassination of J.P. Saunders (December 1928)
When British police officer James A. Scott ordered a brutal lathi charge on Lala Lajpat Rai during an anti-Simon Commission protest, it led to Rai’s death. Seeking revenge, Bhagat Singh and Azad, along with Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, plotted to assassinate Scott. However, due to mistaken identity, they ended up killing John P. Saunders, an Assistant Superintendent of Police in Lahore. This act solidified their status as the most wanted revolutionaries in India.
2. The Delhi Assembly Bombing (April 1929)
Although Azad was not directly involved in the bombing, he played a key role in strategizing the event. Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw bombs inside the Central Legislative Assembly to protest against repressive British laws. Azad remained in the background, ensuring the revolutionaries had the necessary escape plans and resources to continue their mission.
3. Expanding HSRA’s Reach
Azad and Bhagat Singh worked together to expand HSRA’s network across India. They recruited young revolutionaries from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal, uniting them under a common ideology of socialism and armed struggle.
Philosophical Differences and Mutual Understanding
While Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by Marxism and socialism, believing in a mass-based revolution, Azad remained more inclined towards direct armed action. Despite these differences, they respected each other’s methods. Azad provided the organizational and military support, while Bhagat Singh contributed ideological clarity and propaganda efforts.
Last Days and Martyrdom
After Bhagat Singh’s arrest in 1929, Azad continued to lead HSRA and attempted to rescue Bhagat Singh and his comrades from prison. However, British intelligence had intensified its crackdown. On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh was executed along with Rajguru and Sukhdev.
Azad vowed never to be captured alive. On February 27, 1931, he was surrounded by British police in Alfred Park, Allahabad. After a long gunfight, when he had only one bullet left, he shot himself, staying true to his name—Azad.
Conclusion
The meeting between Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad was a turning point in India’s revolutionary struggle. Their collaboration strengthened the HSRA, inspired countless youth to join the fight for independence, and left behind a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism. Though their lives were short, their impact on India’s freedom movement remains immortal.
Reference Websites:
- Wikipedia – Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagat_Singh
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandrashekhar_Azad - The Hindu – Role of Bhagat Singh and Azad in HSRA
https://www.thehindu.com/ - Times of India – How Bhagat Singh Met Chandrashekhar Azad
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ - The Indian Express – India’s Revolutionary Movement
https://indianexpress.com/ - Government of India’s Official Portal on Freedom Fighters
https://knowindia.india.gov.in/
Their friendship and revolutionary efforts remain an inspiration to millions, symbolizing an unbreakable commitment to India’s freedom.