India was drawn into a long political struggle to achieve independence for almost 60 years. The British had been ruling India for over a century then. When Gandhi, the Father of the nation gave a call to the people to fight for their rights, thousands of men, women and children got inspired and flocked to him. Gandhi's movements were non-violent, whereas another political force believed in violent action. The latter acted in accordance with a manifesto framed by their respective political organization. As revolutionaries, they manufactured arms and ammunitions. The British officials took severe actions to bring the culprits in the law fold. Such was the political atmosphere when Bhagat Singh was born.
Patriotic Family
For generations, Bhagat Singh's ancestors had settled in a small prosperous village, Khatkar Kalan, situated at a distance of about 30 kilometers from Phagwara railway station, Punjab. The village has now become a place of pilgrimage. Bhagat Singh's grandfather Sardar Arjan Singh was a simple man who earned his living through a medical practice known as the Unani system. Bhagat Singh was extremely attached to his grandfather. Sardar Arjan Singh shifted to a small village at Banga with his family. Bhagat Singh's uncle, Ajit Singh, and his father Kishan Singh, both were freedom fighters.
Lucky Child
It is a strange coincidence that when Bhagat Singh was born, his father, who was lodged in Lahore Central Jail in connection with an agitation against the Colonization Bill, and his uncle, Ajit Singh, who was in Mandalay jail in Burma (Myanmar) were released on the same day. Bhagat Singh was born on September 25, 1907, in the village of Banga in Lyallpur district, Punjab. Since his birth had brought good luck and fortune to the members of his family, he was initially named as Bhaganwala by his grandmother. Later on, he was named Bhagat Singh.
Unusual Incident
Right from the childhood he displayed traits of a freedom fighter and a patriot. When he was barely three years old, he visited a farm with his father. When his father was talking to his friend, Bhagat Singh busied himself in a strange work. He began to insert straws in the land. The act caught father's attention. When he asked Bhagat Singh what was he doing, he innocently replied Babboke bo raya hun (I am sowing guns). He was unable to pronounce the word bandooke or gun in local parlance. He had even inherited the family's patriotic feelings. Therefore, this kind of thinking was but a natural instinct to the child.
Brave Lad
Both his uncles, Swaran Singh and Ajit Singh were freedom fighters. Swaran Singh was imprisoned by the British. The life in prison being wretched, his health collapsed and shortly after his release, he died. Ajit Singh had also been to jail. But after he was freed, he left the country forever. Bhagat Singh's aunts remembered their husbands and lamented on their fate while taking pride in their acts. At this, the small lad would say, "Don't weep aunt, when I grow up, I will drive out the British and bring back my uncle. I will take revenge upon the British who are the cause for my uncle's illness." Seeing this brave lad, the weeping women would forget their sorrow and burst out laughing.
Once Bhagat Singh asked his classmates "what do you wish to become when you grow up ?" The answers were - doctor, government officer, merchant; and one of them just wanted to marry. At this Bhagat Singh remarked "Is marriage a big achievement ? Anybody can marry. On the other hand, I will drive the British out of India".
Education
Bhagat Singh received his primary education in the District Board Primary School, Banga. He was a bright student, well disciplined and obedient. His performance in the class was excellent. Suddenly his family shifted to Lahore. There he was admitted to DAV High School. Initially, Kishan Singh was worried about his son's studies. He thought, Bhagat Singh being a village boy would not be able to cope up with the studies in DAV High School. So he arranged for a teacher who would come to teach him at home. But within two days the teacher saw that the boy was very intelligent. He told Kishan Singh, "What can I teach this boy ? He has already learnt everything." Bhagat Singh took to studies like fish to water. He was then put to a boarding school. His sincerity and obedience impressed his teachers and the latter showed immense love for him. He always topped in subjects like history, geography and arithmetic. Though he had a good command over the English language, his score in the subject was low.
On July 22, 1918, he wrote a letter to his grandfather in Urdu, giving him details about his performance in the class. He informed him about the marks he secured in each subject. His school was undoubtedly the best educational institution affiliated to the Punjab University. The teachers were highly qualified and devoted to their profession. The school produced talented students later who joined the well-known DAV College to pursue higher studies. Along with his routine studies, Bhagat Singh also studied literature not included in his curriculum.
Role Models
Bhagat Singh's mind and thoughts were greatly influenced by the ideologies and speeches of the leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Lala Pindi Dass, Mehta Anand Kishore and other prominent leaders of Doab region. His heroes were Sardar Kishan Singh, his father and Kartar Singh Sarabha. Sardar Kishan Singh's house was a meeting place where the leaders discussed problems and sought his advice. These movements had a great impact on Bhagat Singh's young mind. He was soon to choose the career of violent defiance against the draconian policies of the British government. He always kept a picture of the Shaheed Kartar Singh in his pocket. He used to show it to his mother and say, "Dear Mother, this is my hero, friend and companion."
Plunge into Political Movement
Jai Dev Gupta, Bhagat Singh's contemporary was also greatly influenced by Sardar Kishan Singh and Lala Lajpat Rai. At that time, students were allowed to participate in the political movement. Both, Jai Dev and Bhagat Singh were willing to join the movement but were shy to talk to the latter's father. Finally, Jai Dev decided to bell the cat. When he told Kishan Singh about their decision, he shouted, "What would you do, if you do not study ? Mazdoor banoge kya ? Dhakke khaoge ? Pahle parh to lo." Will you become laborers being pushed among the crowds ? Finish your studies first. They could convince him only when they said that they would later on join the National College. Lala Lajpat Rai also disagreed with their decision and told them to complete their studies first.
The Jallianwala Baug Massacre
The period between 1914-1919 was a difficult period for colonial India. World War I had gobbled up several lives. There was acute unemployment, and to top it; a harsh and cruel treatment perpetrated by the British bureaucracy. In 1919, a tragic event - the Jallianwala Baug Massacre took place, the thought of which, till date, run chill down one's spine. There was a huge gathering at Jallianwala Baug to discuss the protests against the British. Out of the blue, the British openly fired in the Baug. The people panicked, as there was no way of escape. Countless people, men, women and children were killed. The entire Baug had turned into a sea of blood. Within seconds, the news had spread not only through the country but the entire world. Bhagat Singh, then 12 years old, was deeply moved by the incident. Next day, for hours he did not return from school. All his family members were worried. Instead of going to school, he had gone to Jallianwala Baug. He pushed the guards and made his way to the Baug. He collected mud wet with the blood of Indians in a bottle and took it home. When he reached home his sister chided him. He showed her the bottle in his hand and said, "Look here, this is the blood of our people killed by the British. Salute this."
At National College
New system of education was to be implemented. Its main program was propagation of Swadeshi (Indian) goods. The idea was to establish a chain of Vidyapiths viz. national schools and colleges in different parts of the country. Such institutions were established at Calcutta, Patna, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Banaras and many other places. This was the best opportunity for Bhagat Singh to fight for the motherland by joining the National College. This institution attracted numerous youths of the northwestern region of India, who later on, were at the forefront of the Non-cooperation Movement, Quit India Movement and other revolutionary movements. Bhagat Singh joined the National College at Lahore where he was impressed by the teachings of his professors, especially that of Professor Jai Chandra Vidyalankar. He cited the examples that awakened the spirit of patriotism amongst the students including Bhagat Singh. Bhagat Singh showed immense interests in extra curricular activities. Being a member of local National Club, he played the historical roles of the Great Mauryas, Guptas and Maharana Pratap. His two major assets that enabled him to dominate the stage were his typical Punjabi youthful physique and a commanding voice. His qualities gained him prominence amongst the teachers of his own college as well as among that of other local colleges.
Bhagat Singh was a favorite student of Principal Chhabil Das of the National College. In the evening, both of them used to meet and talk informally on many subjects. When Bhagat Singh heard that his principal was going to get married, he could not believe it. He approached him and insisted that he should not marry. Chhabil Das said "Bhagat Singh if I could get a really very good companion, who, instead of hampering my activities, would invigorate them, what would be your view?" Bhagat Singh replied, "Who can vanquish you in the argument."
Marriage Proposal
Proposal of marriage came as a stunning blow in Bhagat Singh's face. Though, in those days, it was a custom that both, boy and girl were married off at an early age, Bhagat Singh was not at all prepared for it or rather, he never wanted to marry. Earlier, in arranging marriages, the decision of grandfather and grandmother was considered final. So Bhagat Singh's grandmother was excited to arrange for his betrothal. His father contacted Sardar Teja Singh Mann for his sister's engagement to his son. When Bhagat Singh was informed about this, he was aghast. He told his father that he would not marry until he achieved the aim of his life, which was independence for India. Everyone in his family attempted to convince him but in vain.
He finally decided to discontinue his studies and leave the college forever. He sought the blessings of his parents and grandparents and left Lahore for Kanpur. Since then there was no looking back for Bhagat Singh. Kanpur had then become a major center for revolutionary activities in North India. Before leaving, he left a letter for his father in which he conveyed his first preference - seeking freedom for motherland. He reminded him that during his thread ceremony, his grandfather had announced that his life would be dedicated to his nation. He also asked for forgiveness for going against everyone's wishes.
When Jai Dev Gupta questioned him on his denial for marriage, he cited the example of his two uncles. Both his uncles were married and were freedom fighters. They died leaving behind their young widows. Bhagat Singh had also chosen the same path, he did not wish to leave behind another wailing widow.
Bhagat Singh in Kanpur
Professor Jai Chandra Vidyalankar had advised him to keep in touch with Ganesh Shanker Vidyarthi who had been doing work with great patriotic fervor. He also ran a press called Pratap Press. Bhagat Singh worked under his guidance. He taught him the elementary tenets of leading difficult, uneasy and uncomfortable life. Bhagat Singh was mentally prepared for this and so, he had no problems in acquainting himself with such an environment. For him, this was a novel experience. He had come from miles away to fulfil his goal, which no one from his family had approved of. He changed his name to Balwant and started working for Pratap Press.
Bhagat Singh did much of the spadework in the political field in some districts of UP. He visited these areas with the sole purpose of propagating the armed revolution in the country against British imperialism. He also visited the melas (local fairs), attended by thousands of people. He distributed amongst them the leaflets with the message 'Jago mere desh ke logon,' i.e. 'wake up my fellow-countrymen' was scribbled.
Long separation from his parents was a source of a painful agony for him. No amount of messages of any kind from his family could affect him for some time. His parents assured him that no one would compel him for marriage. No love or affection or persuasion could divert his attention from his chosen revolutionary activities. He went to Delhi where he worked with a daily Vir Arjun for about six months. He never revealed his real identity. Bhagat Singh required a broader platform for carrying out his political activities. For this, he decided to move to Lahore where he could develop contacts with great leaders. After arriving in Lahore, he established connections with Kirti Kisan Party, which was guided and supervised by Sardar Sohan Singh Josh. For some time, he also worked for Kirti - a reputed journal.
Naujawan Bharat Sabha
The revolutionary fervor of the mid 20s had increased to a great extent. It became essential for the patriots to work under the banner of well-organized and disciplined forum. In March 1926, Dr Satyapal suggested to the young men to form such an organization. As a result, Naujawan Bharat Sabha was formed. The main program of the Sabha was to debate on moral, literacy and social subjects, to promote Swadeshi (Indian) goods, and to inculcate a feeling of brotherhood in the people. Bhagat Singh played a leading role at this Sabha. He did not believe in any God or religion. According to him, the clashes among the people were in the name of God. He wanted to remove the walls created in the name of God that had partitioned the communities. When there would be no wall, the watertight compartments, artificially created, would crumble down and humanity would prevail all over. Bhagat Singh endeavored to replace God by humanity and religion by service to humanity.
Humanity and service to humanity became one of the major planks of Naujawan Bharat Sabha. To put this into practice, the members of the Sabha arranged dinners and lunches where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Bhangis, Chamars (scavengers, butchers) and others would cook and have the meals together. To inculcate the feeling of hatred against the British, this Sabha was used as a platform. People could freely discuss and express their opinion. Reliable and trustworthy people were entrusted to perform various kinds of activities while maintaining strict secrecy and taking care of their personal safety. The members would take out a procession of pictures of revolutionaries, decorated with Khadi garlands. They would lecture the people about their heroic deeds. During these days Bhagat Singh gained good practice in public speaking and he became a good speaker. He interacted with the leaders of the students' unions of colleges. He had then caught the eye of police and his movements were watched by the spies.
In and Out
Once Bhagat Singh was at the Amritsar railway station when the spies started chasing him. From there he managed to escape. But wherever he went, he was marked as spies kept a close watch on him. At last, he rushed to a lawyer's house. Bhagat Singh, with the aid of the lawyer traveled back to Lahore. When he reached Lahore, to his surprise, he saw the police waiting for him. He had no chance to escape and was arrested. He was imprisoned in Lahore Fort Jail. Bhagat Singh could not understand the reason for his arrest. Later on, he learnt that he was arrested in relation to the incident that occurred on Dussera festivities. A violent mob had thrown a bomb on the procession that was taken out on the festival. The police suspected the revolutionaries' for the act. Therefore, Bhagat Singh was arrested and put in confinement. The police tortured him to know the secrets of other revolutionaries but Bhagat Singh did not utter a word. They flogged him with a knot and gored him with a spear, yet he revealed nothing. At last the police got exhausted. Finally, the magistrate decided that he could be released on a bail of Rs. 60,000. Neither his family nor his friends were in a position to pay such a large amount. There were two persons, Duneechand and Daulatram who were very fond of Bhagat Singh. Out of sheer affection for him, they paid the sum and Bhagat Singh was set free.
Helping his Father
While he was in prison, his father, Kishan Singh had built a small cowshed in his native place. Bhagat Singh looked after this cowshed on his release. He had just been released on bail and did not want anyone to run into hot waters. So he took his father's work earnestly though his mind was occupied with the thoughts of revolutionary activities. His hectic schedule made him get up at four in the morning, feed the cows and clean the shed. He milked the cows and sold the milk. He busied himself with the dairy during the day but at night, he would gather all his friends and discuss revolutionary plans. He also worked with the newspapers, Kirti and Akali. He wrote an article to honor fighters who laid their lives for the freedom struggle. He could not carry out his revolutionary activities in a full fledge manner as the case of Dussera bombing involving Bhagat Singh was still on. As soon as the case was closed, Bhagat Singh closed down his dairy and devoted full attention to the work for the revolution.
Hindustan Samajvadi Prajatantra Sangh
A revolutionary party called the Hindustan Prajatantra Sangh (The Indian Republic Party) was born. Later on, its name was changed to 'Hindustan Samajvadi Prajatantra Sangh' (The Indian Socialist Republican Party). This organization was run by the revolutionaries in North India but mainly in the United Provinces. Other members of this organization were Chandrashekhar Azad, Jogesh Chandra Chatterjee, Bejoy Kumar Sinha and few others. Its aim was to free India by means of an armed revolution. Majority of its workers were engaged in manufacturing illegal arms and ammunition, including bombs. The main idea was to paralyze the government machinery as well as to make the British Government realize that they were unwanted on the Indian soil. Bhagat Singh went to Calcutta to learn making the bombs from a revolutionary named Jatindranath Das. The members of The Indian Socialist Republican party had set up a factory at Agra, where they could secretly make them. They did not have the necessary financial support. The workers there lived for days together only on a cup of tea. They had no beds or rugs to protect themselves from the biting cold. Above all, the thought of police always nagged them. They sometimes broke into the government offices and got involved in a crime of larceny. Finally, after a lot of struggle they succeeded in preparing bombs. They then successfully tested the bombs at a Jhansi Fort.
Simon Commission
In February 1928, England sent Simon Commission to India. The purpose was to decide the extent of freedom and responsibility to be given to the Indians. Indians were raged as the committee did not include a single Indian. They did not want the commission to function and decided to drive it out of India. Wherever the committee went, people protested with black flags shouting 'Simon, go back'.
Lathi (Stick) Charge
In October, the committee arrived in Lahore where Naujawan Bharat Sabha took out a procession in its opposition. Thousands of people took part in the procession. The leader was a great and elderly patriot Lala Lajpatrai. Trouble commenced near the railway station. From there, the commission was not allowed to proceed any further. The Police Superintendent Scott ordered a Lathi charge. The police started hitting people with sticks. Everyone started running helter-skelter to save their lives. Lala Lajpatrai and his companions did not move at all. In the melee, a police officer named Saunders rushed forward and hit Lajpat Rai on his chest. The blow was so severe that after suffering for almost a month, he died. The great leader was no more but in his death, he ignited fires and passions for the revolution.
Vengeance
Lala Lajpatrai's tragic death agitated the minds of the youth, who respected the great leader. The members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican party were very sore over the treatment meted out to a reputed leader of Lalaji's stature by a British Police Official, Scott. They wanted to wreak vengeance of this brutal action by directly hitting back at the Lahore police chief.
Revenge against the British was not a child's play. British imperialism in 1920s was in its hey days and it was not easy to touch a British police official, having nominal resources to hit back with more retaliatory force that might prove fatal. But risking their lives was in the blood of the revolutionaries. Lala Lajpat Rai had always preached them to take a plunge in all risky ventures for the motherland.
Bhagat Singh then took the initiative. Chandrashekhar Azad and the other senior members were summoned to Lahore to execute a plan to a successful end. It is indeed significant to know that the attitude of the youth of the Punjab towards Lala Lajpatrai was not favorable in 1920s. Bhagat Singh himself had criticized him on account of his deep linkage with Hindu Mahasabha, which was a communal organization. A meeting of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Party was convened at once to discuss the program of executing such a reprehensible measure in a detailed manner. A slightest mistake could prove a suicidal measure for the youths participating in a daring venture. The meeting was held at Bhagwati Charan's residence. It was attended by Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Sukhdev and other revolutionaries. After a long discussion, it was decided to wreak vengeance on J A Scott, who was responsible for Lathi charge on Lalaji and others.
Azad and Jai Gopal kept a close watch on Scott and surveyed the route from his office to his residence. Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Azad came fully armed on bicycle to the campus of DAV College. Bhagat Singh and Rajguru left their bicycles on the campus and moved close to the district Police Chief's office. Azad stayed back at the gate of the college and Jai Gopal posted himself at the other end of the road. It was decided that as soon as Scott came out of the office, Jai Gopal was to signal Bhagat Singh and Rajguru to shoot.
The entire plan was meticulously discussed, as it was the murder plan of a British Police Chief Official in broad daylight and that too, in the heart of a city. As soon as Scott stepped out of the office and rode on his motorcycle, Jai Gopal signaled Bhagat Singh and Rajguru. Rajguru fired the first shot. Bhagat Singh followed by firing four to five shots from his automatic pistol killing Scott on the spot. Later, it was found that the official shot at was not J A Scott but J P Saunders, a young man of 21. Jai Gopal failed to distinguish between the two. Though it was a mistake for revolutionaries, it was a great satisfaction that a senior British official was done away with, for them and their revolution.
Head constable Charan Singh and two other constables witnessed the gruesome murder and they chased Bhagat Singh and Rajguru as they fled. The hot pursuit by Charan Singh cost him his life. He was shot dead by Azad. Bhagat Singh and his associates gained nationwide fame and overnight popularity for the act. For people, this was not than act of terrorism but vindication to the honor of Lala Lajpat Rai. The headlines of the Tribune of December 1928 were : "Assistant Police Superintendent shot dead. Constable who gives chase also meets with same fate : Police surround DAV College." That very day, District Magistrate visited the local DAV hostel and checked out the roll call. Nearby hostels and schools were also searched, yet no clue was found.
Escape from Lahore
Few persons were taken into custody. For Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad and Rajguru to stay in Lahore even for a moment was a risky proposition. The murder of Saunders created panic in the whole of Punjab. The police were alerted in the entire North India. Bhagat Singh now donned like a foreign youth and wore a hat. Durga Bhabhi, the wife of a revolutionary named Bagawati Charan and their children followed Bhagat Singh so that people would mistake them for Bhagat Singh's wife and children. They traveled by a train in first class compartment. Rajguru disguised himself as an ordinary worker and left the place. Azad dressed himself as a pundit (scholar). All the three left for Calcutta. Though the railway station was filled with many eagle eyes, they were successful in escaping. After his daring escape from Lahore, Bhagat Singh felt a bit of relief as he was out of the danger zone. He knew that his stay anywhere in the nearby town would land him into great trouble. To arrest him and his comrades was not an easy job to accomplish. They kept changing their dresses, their residential places at frequent intervals. This always created complications for the police in tracing them.
Next Move
Temporarily Bhagat Singh stayed in North India but then was determined to shift to a safe and secure place where he could carry out his plans. He found Calcutta the most suitable place. Bhagat Singh's next move was to throw a bomb in Central Hall of the Assembly, Delhi. Apart from the bomb factory at Agra, other factories were set up at Lahore and Saharanpur, administered by Sukhdev and Shiv Verma. In March 1929, the British had halted the functioning of the trade union leaders in the various provinces by arresting them. This performance by the British compelled Bhagat Singh and his associates to undertake such an action, like throwing a bomb. A month prior to the finalization of this act Bhagat Singh engaged himself in revolutionary activities in the region between Delhi and Agra.
The central idea of such an act was to express resentment for the Bills; Public Safety Bill and Trade Disputes Bill being discussed, and not to kill people. Leaflets scribbled with the slogans, Inquilab Zindabad (Long Live the Revolution) were to be thrown in the Assembly Hall. The mission was not to escape but to offer themselves to the police. It was like entering a lion's den. The other idea was to use courts as forum to express their revolutionary ideas before the people of India. Bhagat Singh and B K Dutt were chosen for this task. They arranged for the visitor's passes and two days prior to the adventure, they surveyed the Assembly Hall to see the sitting arrangement.
Violent Action
Finally, on April 8, 1929, D-day arrived. The Viceroy, Lord Irwin was to deliver his speech in connection with the Bills. Bhagat Singh and B K Dutt dressed in Khakhi shirts and Khakhi shorts, occupied their positions in the visitor's gallery. Voting on the Trades Disputes Bill began and after some time it was over. The Bill was declared before the president started to give his ruling on Public Safety Bill. There was a hustle in the visitor's gallery and then a deafening noise followed by chaos and smoke. The entire atmosphere in the Hall became dark and there were shrieks from ladies' gallery. A second bomb was dropped. Smoke, confusion and chaos prevailed all over. Two gunshots followed the explosion of bombs. All the members were hanky and panky, started rushing out for their lives. Gradually smoke disappeared and everyone gathered in the center of the house. Someone in the visitor's gallery with a bleeding hand gave himself up to the police and so did his companion. The doors of the Hall were locked. No one was allowed either to leave or enter the Hall, Bhagat Singh and B K Dutt were arrested for alleged attempt to commit murder. Bhagat Singh was sent to central police station and Dutt to Raisna police station. After their operation was successfully carried out, both Bhagat Singh and Dutt raised to slogans and threw the leaflets in the central hall of the Assembly.
Trials in the Court
It was not a difficult task for Bhagat Singh and BK Dutt to dodge the usual vigil of the police after hurling the bomb in the Central Assembly Hall. A decision had already been taken at that time and it was no fun to change their decision. The heroes stood fearless. If they wished, they could have managed to escape. But it was not a part of their decision. They stood firm on ground, as if about to face a cyclone. They raised slogans, threw leaflets and willingly courted arrest when the police arrived there. This proved suicidal for them in the course of time, but it had a deep hidden meaning - a message for the nation and an expression of deep resentment against the existing draconian laws of the British Raj. Soon after their arrests, they were taken to the police Kotwali situated in Chandni Chowk. The assembly was adjourned for the day. Both, Bhagat Singh and B K Dutt admitted throwing bombs in the Assembly. They affirmed that they held human life sacred. Bhagat Singh told the court that they did not have any personal malice against the people but the bombs were thrown as a protest. The judge gave his statement that the charges on the accused were not false and both of them were found guilty. Bhagat Singh gave a bold and historic statement, "We stand charged with certain serious offences and at this stage, it is but right that we must explain our conduct."
Bhagat Singh was asked in the lower court what he meant by the word 'Revolution'. In answer to that question, he replied, "By Revolution we mean that the present order of things, which is based on manifest injustice, must change." He explained to the court of justice how the laborers and farmers, being the most necessary element of society were robbed. They were deprived of their rights. He said the peasant who grew corn for all, starved with his family and the weaver who supplied cloth, did not have a cloth to cover his body. Bhagat Singh was fed up with the poverty and chaos in his motherland. He wanted to end it all. He added, "By revolution we mean the ultimate establishment of an order of society which may not be threatened by war or hypocrisy."
Assessors' Opinions
Diverse opinions were recorded by the assessors. One assessor considered that both the accused were guilty of an attempt to murder and that both were guilty under Section 3 of the Explosive Substances Act. According to his assessment, all persons were injured by the first bomb and not by the second bomb. He considered that Bhagat Singh caused loss and hurt in the attempt while Dutt did not. According to the second assessor, Bhagat Singh hurled both the bombs in the assembly. He considered Bhagat Singh guilty and Dutt not guilty. He opined that charges on Dutt were false. The third assessor considered that both the accused were guilty of throwing the bomb, but neither were guilty of attempting a murder. A fourth assessor's believed that the bombs were not powerful enough to cause death. Both, Bhagat Singh and Dutt wanted to create a state of panic among the people. All witnesses who saw the arrests - agreed that neither of them had resisted. The final judgment considered the offence as heinous one and from the retributive point of view, both the accused should be punished severely. The crime was not committed on the spur of the moment but was deliberately designed. Bhagat Singh and Dutt were deported to Andaman and Nicobar Islands for life.
When Sukhdev told Durga Das Khanna that Bhagat Singh had been selected for assembly action, he said that Bhagat Singh's life was precious. He should not have been selected to do the job. But no one else was suitable to do it.
Lahore Conspiracy Case
The inquiry in the proceedings named Lahore Conspiracy Case commenced before the magistrate on July 11, 1929. The offences included murder of Saunders, Assistant Superintendent of Police and head constable Charan Singh, in Lahore, on December 17, 1928; the establishment of bomb making factories in Agra, Lahore and Saharanpur; hurling two bombs in the Central Assembly Hall on April 8, 1929. Bhagat Singh was involved in each of these offences. The prosecution considered that it would be necessary to produce about 600 witnesses. The inquiry had thus been in progress and at the end of nine months, only 165 out of 600 witnesses were collected. There were many delays in the proceedings.
The case was held in the Poonch House at Lahore with Justice J Coldstream as president. On the first day of the hearing, all the 18 accused were present in person. At 10:02 am, the Tribunal took the seat. The accused were brought in. They shouted revolutionary cries and then chanted a revolutionary hymn. One of the accused asked the Tribunal for adjournment for a fortnight so that they could make necessary arrangements for their defence. This was rejected as premature. Finally after much discussion, the court was adjourned on May 13, 1930. Everyone except Sukhdev refused to come to the court. He said that he would not come until physically forced. On May 19, 1930, both Bhagat Singh and B K Dutt declined to come. Finally, Bhagat Singh came to the main gate when the police were asked to take the charge, both of them severely resisted.
Struggles in the Jail
After the Assembly Hall Case Judgment, Bhagat Singh was lodged in the Mianwali Jail, which was full of political prisoners convicted and undergoing long imprisonment. This jail had become notorious in its day-to-day dealings of government officials with the life convicts. Even the simple demands of the political prisoners were meted out with maltreatment. In spite of the protests, nothing had improved.
Bhagat Singh, in the jail, changed the entire scenario. He took up the leadership in providing basic amenities to the political prisoners. He made them realize their fundamental rights. He gave them an idea of hunger strike. Bhagat Singh was sure of being hanged but at least others could benefit. All the revolutionaries went on fast for two months. At last, the government agreed to consider their demands. Few revolutionaries gave up the fast, but Jatin Das did not. He died on the 64th day of his fast. Bhagat Singh fasted for 32 more days. He wrote a letter to Inspector General, Punjab Jails, Lahore in which he told him that they got a special diet in Delhi Jail but in Mianwali Jail, prisoners were treated like animals. He also sent him a list of his demands like special diet, toiletries, no labor, literature of all kinds. Bhagat Singh was transferred to Central Jail, Lahore. Idea of the hunger strike spread like a wildfire in Borstal Jail where his other associates, Sukhdev, Jatinder Nath Das, Rajguru, Ajay Ghosh were lodged. When Jawaharlal Nehru heard about the hunger strike, he personally paid a visit to both Central and Borstal Jail in Lahore.
Kishan Singh's Attempts to save the Son's Life
By September 1930, it became evident that Bhagat Singh would be sentenced to death. Kishan Singh made an attempt to save his son. He wrote to the Tribunal, asking them for permission to prove that the day, when Saunders was murdered, Bhagat Singh was not in Lahore. Bhagat Singh was the last man to offer any kind of defence. He told his father, "I was astounded to learn that you had submitted a petition to the members of the Special Tribunal in connection with my defence." Bhagat Singh understood his father's sentiments but was not happy with this move. Throughout the trial, he had been indifferent to the charges against him. He was of the opinion that all political workers should be indifferent and should be least concerned about the legal fight in the law courts. He was prepared to bear the heaviest possible sentence inflicted on him. He encouraged his father by saying, "I know you have devoted your life to the cause of Indian Independence, but why at this moment, have you displayed such a weakness?"
Bhagwati Charan's Brave Effort
Youngsters got furious at the verdict of Bhagat Singh's case. The members of the Hindustan Socialist Republic Army devised a plan that would save Bhagat Singh and his associates from the bondage of the British. Their idea was to throw a bomb near the gate of Lahore Central Jail when Bhagat Singh was to be brought to the court for the trial in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. Bhagwati Charan made a bold move by agreeing to carry out the entire action himself. He said Mein koi tarak nahin karna chahta, lekin chahta hun ki is ghatna mein bhag lun viz. I don't want to think, but to participate in this out. His first step was to test the bomb. Along with Sukhdev and Bachhan, Bhagwati Charan rode towards the bank of river Ravi. From there they took a boat to cross the river and enter a thick forest. Unfortunately the trigger of the bomb was loose and the bomb burst in Charan's hands. This brave worker breathed his last in the forest. His unexpected death was a great loss to the Hindustan Socialist Republic Army. There could be no more plans to save Bhagat Singh's life.
Yet, the father did not cease his efforts to save his son's life. He requested the Tribunal to produce documentary and oral evidence to disprove the prosecution story regarding the murder. His attempts were futile as his request was not granted.
The news of the final verdict of the Tribunal spread like a wildfire. The death sentence was greatly resented by all. March 24, 1931, was the date fixed to execute Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. The relatives of the condemned prisoners were allowed to meet them for the last time on March 23. On that day, the members of Naujawan Bharat Sabha took out a procession in protest against this announcement. The procession started from Pari Mahal and moved to the main streets and bazaars (markets) of the city and terminated outside the Mori Gate where a public meeting was held under the Presidentship of Comrade Ram Chandra. A resolution was moved by Comrade Mangal Das protesting against decision of the government to hang Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.
A day before, on March 22, huge meeting was held in Jallianwala Baug to celebrate Bhagat Singh day. They demanded their release and challenged that there would be no peace in the country till then. They failed as The Tribune commented, "The government will be committing a Himalayan blunder if they hang Bhagat Singh and his comrades. That is the feeling in the country."
On March 23, a deadlock had resulted in the matter of an interview of the relatives of Bhagat Singh and his comrades owing to certain conditions imposed by the jail authorities. All the relatives gathered at the gate of the Central Jail at the stroke of 10 in the morning. His family along with Bhagat Singh's grandfather and grandmother, Rajguru's mother and Sukhdev's uncle; were present. The superintendent of the Central Jail allowed only the father, mother and brother to meet the condemned prisoners. After three long hours of waiting under the sun and sweltering heat, all the relatives disappointedly returned home.
Execution
Though the execution was to be held on March 24, 1931, it was carried a day prior i.e. on the evening of March 23, 1931. Dr. Gopi Chand Bhargava sent the telegram to the District Magistrate, Lahore. 'Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev hanged this evening. Where and when should we be present for taking the bodies ? Wire Sardar Kishan Singh, father of Bhagat Singh and mothers of Rajguru and Sukhdev.'
Mourning
After the execution, the bodies were not given away to the relatives. Everyone feared that the bodies were secretly cremated. All the people searched the entire city, but not a clue was found. Finally in the morning of March 24, two volunteers brought the news that the bodies had been cremated on the banks of the river Satluj. Jai Dev Gupta and few others boarded the train to Gauda Singhwalla railway station. Before leaving, Jai Dev Gupta informed Bhagat Singh's sister Amar Kaur and his father to join them after an hour. On reaching the banks of the river, they found the ashes and bones of the body. Young men in Lahore took out the procession shouting Inquilab Zindabad and Bhagat Singh Zindabad. A hartal (strike) was observed on March 24, and even the fruit and vegetable markets remained closed. There was a huge gathering in the parade ground. Over 30,000 people, Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims including 5,000 women joined the prayers. Every one of them wept bitterly. Many students wore a black band on their left arm as a sign of mourning. About 40,000 people joined the procession. A two-mile long procession commenced from Nila Gumbad and passed in solemn silence through the main streets and terminated on the banks of river Ravi.
When the procession was passing through Paupa Mandi, news came that the relatives of all the three patriots brought the charred remains. At about 3:30 pm, three flower bedecked arthis (biers) were brought from Pari Mahal amidst unparalleled enthusiasm. Members of Naujawan Bharat Sabha and students of local college carried the arthis on their shoulders. Everybody in the procession made frantic efforts to touch the arthi. After sunset, the procession reached the banks of river Ravi.
The headlines of the Tribune of March 26, 1931 were : "India deeply moved over Bhagat Singh's execution. Prayers, processions and hartals. Funeral procession in Lahore. Cremation on the bank of Ravi."
Such was the story of many a great martyrs who laid their young and precious lives in order to sees the sun rise over free India.
Bhagat Singh stands out as a hero to the Indian youth. His life was a romantic political saga during the long-drawn struggle against the British bureaucracy. Born in the family that stood for patriotism, reform and freedom for the country, he was imbued with patriotic sentiments right from his childhood.
He participated actively in the Naujawan Bharat Sabha and the Hindustan Socialist Republic Army. He had wider contacts not only in Punjab, but also in Bengal and elsewhere. He was involved in Saunder's murder case and the Central Assembly bomb case. He waged war against the British Raj with several other revolutionaries. On March 23, 1931, Bhagat Singh became a national martyr to live in the hearts of his countrymen even today.
September 25, 1907 Bhagat Singh was born.
1912 Joined District Board Primary School, Banga.
1916 Family shifted to Lahore
Was admitted to DAV High School.
1919 Moved by the Jallianwala Baug massacre.
1921 Joined National College.
1925 Pressurized for marriage and so he left Lahore for Kanpur. 1926 Joined Pratap Press under the name Balwant.
Went to Delhi and worked with Vir Arjun.
March 1926 Formation of Naujawan Bharat Sabha of which Bhagat Singh was a member.
1927 Became a secretary of The Indian Socialist Republic Party.
December 17, 1928 Murdered the British official Saunders.
April 8, 1929 Dropped a bomb in the Central Assembly Hall.
Bhagat Singh was arrested.
May 1929 Exiled to Andaman and Nicobar Islands
June 12, 1929 Bhagat Singh was shifted to Mianwali Jail
June 15, 1929 Went on a hunger strike.
October 7, 1930 Was sentenced to death.
March 23, 1931 Bhagat Singh was executed in the Lahore Central Jail.
I am neither a rival nor an incarnation nor the Supreme Being Himself.
Any man who stands for progress has to criticize, disbelieve and challenge every item of the old faith.
Mere faith and that too blind faith is dangerous as it dulls the brain and makes a man reactionary.
British rule is here not because God wills it but because they possess power and we do not dare to oppose them.
By revolution, we mean that the present order of things, which is based on manifest injustice must change.
I am not a terrorist and I never was, except perhaps in the beginning of my revolutionary career.
The ultimate goal of Anarchism is complete independence, according to which no one will be obsessed with God or religion, nor will anybody be crazy for money or other worldly desires.
I can says with all my might that I am immersed in true hopes and doubts that give life a meaning.
When time comes I will sacrifice everything. In true sense this is sacrifice you will realize this soon.
My bride shall be only death. Bhagat Singh said, when his parents pressurized him for marriage.
We should meet force with force About getting rid of British from India.
A few moments more and I go out like a wick of the lamp in the morning Bhagat Singh said prior to his execution.
