Every child in India knows Bhagat Singh. His undying name and fame are synonymous with courage, sacrifice, and a fervent commitment to India’s independence. However, this young revolutionary freedom fighter was a staunch non-Gandhian revolutionary. His disdain for the non-violent approach to the humiliation served by the British to Indians carved his unique path as a youth.
Consequently, the young Bhgat’s weapon of choice was not just the gun but also the pen. While Bharat’s revolution explored Gandhi’s non-violent approach, this young man walked the road of nationalism and intellectual prowess with his contemporaries.
Power of the Written Word
Unlike many, Bhagat Singh was not just a man of action. He was a prolific writer and thinker. He believed in fearlessly spreading his ideas on revolution and revolt! His articles, essays, and pamphlets underscore his vision for a free and just Bharat. His chosen platforms of Kirti, Pratap, and Arjun showcase his ideas on the Indian revolution, society, and freedom.
Bhagat Singh – A Nationalist and An Atheist
Bhagat Singh’s writings were his modesty to his love for the country. They were burning with his desire for freedom. What is his religion??!! Atheism! He gave up the path of spiritual pursuits to follow the path of nationalism.
His article “Why I am an Atheist” defines his journey to atheism and his love for the Bharat Mata. His dedication to the nation was strongly intertwined with his rejection of the religious dogma of the times.
Nationalism was not confined to politics in young Bhagat’s world! He burned with a desire to reform the Indian social and cultural structure. In his mind, the free motherland had only one religion – Nationalism! Â
Critique of Imperialism and Love for Communism
Bhagat Singh often wrote critically of British imperialism and its derogatory impact on India. He wrote in-depth analyses of the exploitative economic policies, cultural subjugation, and political repression of Bharat under British rule. These analyses highlighted his deep understanding of the challenges Bharat faced to be truly independent in deed as well as thought.
He was also influenced by Marxist Communism. His love for communist ideology stemmed from a desire to eradicate the socio-economic inequalities caused by colonial rule. Moreover, he believed that the capitalist structures installed by the British in India had ensured the ever-growing divide in the society. His vision of an Azad Bharat was an egalitarian, classless nation where love for the country was a religion in itself!
A Legacy of Ideas
To look at Bhagat Singh as a martyr is an incomplete understanding of the man himself. He should not just be remembered for his acts of defiance but also for his ideas and writings. Thus, his idea of nation-first nationalism and societal equality should also be a part of his legacy. Additionally, his intellectual contributions to the idea of Bharat and his identity as a non-Gandhian revolutionary should be given their due.
Keeping Bhagat Singh confined to the ‘Garam Dal’ section of history is an insult to his eloquence as an independent thinker and writer! The existence of young Bhagat proves that the Indian independence movement was not just a nonviolent revolution! It was an amalgamation of ideas and ideals of many unsung heroes. Therefore, let’s honor Bhagat Singh’s strength of conviction, not just as a valiant young martyr, but also as a visionary thinker whose pen ignited the many flames of change! Jai Hind!
References:
- Articles available at http://www.shahidbhagatsingh.org/index.asp?linkid=6
- Articles available at https://www.marxists.org/archive/bhagat-singh/index.htm
- Anushri Awasthi , Bhagat Singh: A Revolutionary ahead of His Time, 4 (3) IJLMH Page 2723 – 2732 (2021), DOI: https://doij.org/10.10000/IJLMH.11783
- https://ijlmh.com/paper/bhagat-singh-a-revolutionary-ahead-of-his-time/#
- https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/20636/1/Unit-10.pdf
- https://magazines.odisha.gov.in/orissareview/august-2007/engpdf/Page42-44.pdf