India will observe Shaheed Diwas or Martyrs’ Day on March 23, 2024, to honor the memory of the brave souls who laid down their lives for the country’s freedom.
Shaheed Diwas marks the sacrifice of three of India’s most celebrated revolutionaries – Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru – who were hanged to death by the British colonial rulers in 1931.
A brief history about the brave hearts
Bhagat Singh, born on September 28, 1907, in Punjab, was an influential figure in the Indian independence movement. He was a prolific writer and a visionary leader who believed in the idea of socialist revolution. He was also a firm believer in the power of youth and encouraged them to participate in the freedom struggle. Bhagat Singh was only 23 years old when he was hanged by the British, making him a symbol of youthful sacrifice and courage.Â
Sukhdev Thapar, born on May 15, 1907, was a close associate of Bhagat Singh and one of the founding members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He was actively involved in various revolutionary activities against the British colonial rule in India. Along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar was sentenced to death by the British for their involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case.Â
Shivaram Rajguru was another member of the HSRA and a close associate of Bhagat Singh. He played a significant role in the assassination of British police officer J.P. Saunders, which led to the British authorities declaring a massive manhunt for the three revolutionaries.Â
The Significance of Shaheed Diwas
The history of Shaheed Diwas dates to the Simon Commission’s arrival in India in 1928, which triggered a wave of protests and demonstrations led by Indian freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai. Rai’s protest against the commission in Lahore was met with brutal force, and he was severely assaulted by Police Superintendent James A. Scott, which led to his death.
Bhagat Singh witnessed the assault and decided to seek revenge, which led to the unfortunate event of killing Assistant Superintendent of Police, John Saunders, on December 17, 1928.
Observing Shaheed Diwas
Shaheed Diwas serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by these brave hearts, who fought tirelessly for India’s independence. The day is observed with solemnity and respect, and people across the country pay tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation.
The President, the Vice-President, and the Prime Minister of India pay their respects at the memorials of the three freedom fighters in Delhi, while the rest of the country observes a two-minute silence to remember the martyrs. The contributions of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, Shivaram Rajguru, and other freedom fighters continue to inspire generations of Indians to fight for their rights and stand up against injustice.
Legacy of India’s Martyrs
Apart from Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru, several other freedom fighters sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence. Sardar Udham Singh, who assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, the British Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, is another revolutionary figure who is remembered on Shaheed Diwas.
The sacrifices made by these brave souls will forever remain etched in the hearts of every Indian, and Shaheed Diwas serves as a reminder of the sacrifices they made in the pursuit of India’s freedom. Their legacy serves as a beacon of hope for those who aspire for a better future for their country.
