Some parts of India celebrate Shaheed Diwas, also known as Martyr’s Day, on specific dates to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for their country.It is especially marked because, on March 23, three extraordinary revolutionaries—Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar—were executed for their bravery. The day not only bears testimony to their extraordinary willpower and indomitable courage but is also this celebration of unwavering determination and valor. Nonetheless, it is touching to observe how the struggles endured by these indomitable young fighters have enabled them to remain enduring heroes for generations of many Indians and young people to nurture the spirit of patriotism in this country.
Why is March 23 Observed as Martyr’s Day?
On March 23, 1931, the British Empire hanged Bhagat Singh, revolutionary Sukhdev, and Rajgure in the Lahore jail due to their extrajudicial involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. This included assassinating Deputy Superintendent of Police J. P. Saunders. It was an act of retribution against their veteran leader, Lala Lajpat Rai, Who lost their lives due to the oppression of the British political authorities.
The execution of this case and these young revolutionaries shocked the nation. They inspired the youngest generation to fight for their freedom. This is what Singh was well known for. Their actions resonated with the citizens of India, and they were, and continue to be, regarded as immense figures of resistance to British rule. These individuals showed exemplary courage and strength even in confronting such a gruesome death sentence to their lives.
The Revolutionaries and Their Contributions
Bhagat Singh (September 28, 1907 – March 23, 1931)
- Bhagat Singh, who was from Lyallpur, Punjab, a territory now considered part of Pakistan, is noted to have been a great martyr right from a very young age. He was one of the most valued activists of India’s independence campaign.
- He is well known to lead an undying slogan of Inquilab Zindabad, translated to “long live the revolution.” To devote their time to revolution and resistance was exceptional and has been an evergreen slogan in India.
- He, in the company of his friends, threw great rocks at the authorities as a mark of their defiance toward the British hostility. The feeding of the words was bombing the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929 and not hurting a single soul.
- In his unique way, he had grasped both political philosophy and the blueprint of the free and just society in depth. His thoughts profoundly affected the latter-day extreme nationalists who were impatient to end colonial dominion.
Shivaram Rajguru (August 24, 1908 – March 23, 1931)
- Rajguru nurtured superb nationalist passions, born with them in Khed, Maharashtra.
- He is an HSRA (Hindustan Socialist Republican Association) associate and a revolutionary militant against English rule.
- Being an expert, he swiftly eliminated Saunders, who needed to be eliminated due to the aggressive actions of the Raj.
- He consistently asserted that violence and fighting are the only ways to achieve independence. This resolve stayed with him till his last breath.
Sukhdev Thapar (May 15, 1907 – March 23, 1931)
- Sukhdev luxuriated in the charge of freedom and affected a lot of people in the Lahore Conspiracy case.
- He also did not miss out on helping the rest of the youth to realize some sense of responsibility that edged on nationalism and sometimes on revolution.
- He was close to Bhagat Singh and did a lot to enthuse students and younger revolutionaries to think and respond to their responsibilities as citizens of the nation.
- Sukhdev’s letters and other revolutionary work showcase his remarkable grasp of the social and political conflicts during that time period.
Execution and Legacy
- After the three revolutionaries were sentenced to execution, their original execution date was set for March 24, 1931, but it was advanced to March 23, 1931.
- Their remains were cremated at Hussainiwala, now in Punjab, India, where a memorial is placed in their honor.
- On this memorial, yearly, a great number of people visit from across the country to remember the sacrifices that the revolutionaries made.
- Their execution brought rage and riots throughout the land, surging pride and nationalist resistance toward the colonial rule.
- Their undeniable contributions to the Indian freedom struggle have left a mark in the hearts and minds of many people who, through literature, cinema, and academia, continue to remember them throughout the years.
Significance of March 23 in India Today
- Schools and other educational institutions conduct debates, plays, and discussions regarding the lives of the martyrs.
- Nationalist songs and slogans like “Inquilab Zindabad” praise their names during various gatherings.
- The youth and political organizations draw off from their love, pride, and devotion to the nation.
- The ideals of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev are still alive today, guiding the youth in their search for justice and equality.
- Numerous events have been planned to explain the reasoning behind their beliefs and the sacrifices they undertook to help achieve independence for the nation.
- On this day, prominent leaders together with ordinary citizens alike pay their tribute, realizing the sacrifices made by these heroes.
The 23rd of March is not only a day to commemorate but also a day that inspires national pride. The and Sukhdev Singhensional Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev serve as a striking reminder of the price we pay for our freedom. It is their patriotism and spirit that keep alive the millions. We can cherish their legacy forever. The beliefs and values that they stood up for should forever motivate young minds to act for a better world without discrimination. Their engulfment into martyrdom constantly challenges us to remember that the spirit of revolt and sacrifice keeps alive forever. As long as this great nation exists, we will always remember their deeds and names.
“History was inspired by martyrs and could change only through sacrifice.” – Crowley Aleister
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