Achi news desk-
Officially, the only reason to remember the 23rd of March in Pakistan is that associated with the Pakistan Resolution Day, which commemorates the Lahore Resolution passed on 23 March 1940 and the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic. of Pakistan on 23 March 1956. However, it is also the anniversary of the death of one of the greatest sons of Punjab, who sacrificed his life for the freedom of his people. We refer here, of course, to Bhagat Singh, who sacrificed his life today on 23 March 1931. Freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged here by the British administration in Lahore Jail on the same date (later Lahore Jail was demolished in 1961). Today, the site is located at the second roundabout on Jail Road, Shadman Town, Lahore.
Bhagat Singh was born in Banga Village, Faisalabad, on 28 September 1907. He spent his life in Faisalabad then Lyallpur and Lahore. By any standards, if he had lived today, he would be a Punjabi and a Pakistani. The idea of ​​not celebrating him as a hero in Pakistan goes back to our religious-communal backgrounds. We are a people with diverse and confused connections, sometimes we become descendants of the Indus civilization, others, we are Arabian people, landed with the armies of Muhammad bin Qasim. This identity crisis has always deprived us of nationhood, where we have continuously disagreed with our true national identity which is linked to the land of five rivers, not to religious fanaticism. One of the main reasons behind progress in the Western world is their recognition of their history. Unlike our society, they are not involved in the paranoia of false history and age-old laws and traditions that strictly forbade questioning.
Unfortunately, the people of Pakistan were never told about their real heroes mainly because their religious and political beliefs were different from the majority who later acquired these lands. This undoubtedly became a horrific murder of cultural history and ideology. Our historical orical narratives depict Muhammad bin Qasim, Mahmud Ghanznavi, Babur and Ahmed Shah Abadli as our national historical heroes, but ironically, they were all ethnically non-Indians.
Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary ideology was a combination of nationalism, socialism, anti-imperialism, secularism and a deep commitment to social justice and equality. His revolutionary ideology was shaped by several factors, including his exposure to various nationalist and socialist ideas, his experiences during the freedom struggle, and his observations of social and economic injustices that were prevalent in society. He was very patriotic and had a strong sense of nationalism. He believed in the idea of ​​a free and independent India where every citizen could live with dignity and freedom from colonial oppression. He was influenced by socialist and Marxist ideologies. He believed in the need for a socialist society where wealth and resources were distributed fairly among all members, and where exploitation and inequality were eliminated.
One of his core beliefs was the need to overthrow British imperialism in India. He saw colonial rule as a major obstacle to India’s progress and saw the struggle for independence to ensure social and economic justice for the people of India. He advocated for a secular and inclusive society where people of all religions, castes, and backgrounds could coexist harmoniously. He opposed communalism and discrimination on the basis of religion or caste, emphasizing the importance of unity among all Indians in the struggle against colonialism and social injustice.
Bhagat Singh deserves much more respect from people from where he belonged. His immorality was for the people of Punjab and today his teachings can be a ray of light for oppression, immorality, suppression of human rights, injustice, and intolerance
Bhagat Singh believed in the power of young people to bring about change. He inspired and motivated youth across India to join the freedom struggle and actively participate in the struggle against British rule. Although he admired Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, he also believed that revolutionary violence was sometimes necessary to gain liberation from colonial oppression. He famously said, “The sword of revolution is sharpened on the whirling stone of ideas.” He criticized capitalism for the way it exploits the working class and its role in perpetuating social inequality. He saw socialism as a more just and fair choice that could address the economic differences prevalent in society.
In my opinion, Bhagat Singh deserves much more respect from people from where he belonged. His immorality was for the people of Punjab and today his teachings can be a ray of light for oppression, immorality, suppression of human rights, injustice, and intolerance. I think there was no other moment in our history as important as today to remember these forgotten heroes, who sacrificed their lives for national aspirations. In the words of Guru Gobind Singh,
Recognize all those who fought for religion
Cut into pieces
“He is on his own a brave person. The one who fights for the underprivileged.
It may be broken into pieces. But he will never leave the battlefield”
Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom at the age of 23 elevated him to the status of a lion of Punjab. His legacy continues to resonate with people fighting for freedom and oppression around the world. It is celebrated as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and the indomitable spirit of freedom. He was not only a revolutionary but also an intellectual. Beyond his heroic example, his writings continue to be studied and respected for their insight and relevance.
