Today marks the martyrdom day of Sukhdev, Rajguru, and Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. In the Lahore Central Jail on this day in 1931, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev had laughed heartily as they kissed the noose and yelled Inquilab Zindabad chants. Across the nation, especially in Punjab, these martyrs are receiving heartfelt tributes on this special day.
"शहीदों की चिताओं पर लगेंगे हर बरस मेले।
वतन पर मरनेवालों का यही बाक़ी निशाँ होगा॥"#23March pic.twitter.com/Pvbi4Q2w1k— मोटिवेशनल पंक्तियाँ 𝕏 (@mpanktiya) March 23, 2024
History of Martyrdom Day
In December 1928, Bhagat Singh and his colleague Shivaram Rajguru shot John Saunders, a police office officer, who was 21 years old. Still, their primary goal was to kill James Scott. They thought that Scott was the primary suspect in Lala Lajpat Rai’s demise. One of the well-known independence fighters who passed away from his wounds was Lajpat Rai. The British battalion, purportedly under the command of Scott, had charged the demonstrators with lathes.
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Following several months of eluding the British police, Bhagat Singh and fellow revolutionary and freedom fighter Batukeshwar Dutt made an appearance at the Legislative Assembly, setting off two explosives that resulted in explosions. But rather of causing harm to anyone, the primary goal of the explosions was to draw the attention of the British Government. They chanted for freedom throughout the gathering, distributed pamphlets with their manifesto, and eventually turned themselves in.
While in jail, Bhagat Singh joined the hunger strike movement started by freedom fighter and educationist Jatin Das to call for improved conditions for Indian inmates. In September 1929, Jatin Das passed away due to hunger while incarcerated. After a trial, Bhagat Singh was executed by hanging in March 1931.
Martyrdom Day is observed on May 23. In addition to Singh, the two other associates of Bhagat Singh who were executed by hanging on the same day are also revered: Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru.
Prime Minister Modi pays tribute
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid rich tributes to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on their martyrdom day, saying that the nation is remembering with reverence the martyrdom of these true sons of Mother India.
राष्ट्र आज मां भारती के सच्चे सपूत वीर भगत सिंह, सुखदेव और राजगुरु की शहादत को श्रद्धापूर्वक स्मरण कर रहा है। शहीद दिवस पर देशभर के अपने परिवारजनों की ओर से उन्हें नमन और वंदन। जय हिंद! pic.twitter.com/muz6dWZWel
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2024
In a post on X, he wrote, “Today the nation is remembering with reverence the martyrdom of Veer Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru, the true sons of Mother India. On Martyr’s Day, salute to them on behalf of their family members across the country. Jai Hind!”
Motivational lines by Bhagat Singh
“Zindagi to apne Damm par hi jiyi Jati Hai…Dusro ke kandhe par toh sirf janaje uthaye jate Hai.” (Life is lived on one’s own strength… Others help is needed in funerals only.)
