CONTEXT OF THE NEWS

Every year on 23rd March, India observes Shaheed Diwas to honor the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who were executed by the British in 1931.

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BACKGROUND

• Linked to Indian National Movement (GS Paper 1 – Modern History)
• Highlights the role of revolutionary nationalism alongside Gandhian methods
• Another Martyrs’ Day is observed on 30th January (death of Mahatma Gandhi)

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NEWS BREAKDOWN

What is Shaheed Diwas?

Shaheed Diwas: A day to commemorate the sacrifice of martyrs who gave their lives for India’s independence.

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HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Trigger Event: Simon Commission Protest (1928)

• Lala Lajpat Rai led protests against the Simon Commission
• Suffered fatal injuries due to lathi charge

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Revolutionary Response

• Members of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) planned revenge
• Target: James A. Scott (police officer responsible)

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Lahore Conspiracy Case (1929)

• Due to mistaken identity:
  • J.P. Saunders was assassinated instead
• Case became known as:
  • Lahore Conspiracy Case

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Execution (1931)

• Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev were:
  • Tried and sentenced to death
  • Executed on 23 March 1931
• Cremated at:
  • Hussainiwala Memorial (Punjab)

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KEY PERSONALITIES

1. Bhagat Singh (1907–1931)

• Born: Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
• Influences:
  • Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
  • Education at National College, Lahore

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Major Contributions

• Member of:
  • HRA (1924) → later HSRA (1928)
• Founded:
  • Naujawan Bharat Sabha (1926)

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Central Legislative Assembly Bombing (1929)

• With Batukeshwar Dutt
• Objective:
  • Protest against:
    • Public Safety Bill
    • Trade Disputes Bill
• Strategy:
  • Used low-intensity bombs
  • Aim: “To make the deaf hear”

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Ideology & Writings

• Famous work:
  • “Why I Am an Atheist”
• Beliefs:
  • Rationalism
  • Social justice
• Slogan:
  • “Inquilab Zindabad”

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2. Sukhdev Thapar (1907–1931)

• Key HSRA strategist
• Organized:
  • Revolutionary networks in Punjab
• Played central role in:
  • Lahore Conspiracy Case

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3. Shivaram Rajguru (1908–1931)

• From Maharashtra
• Known for:
  • Exceptional shooting skills
• Active member of:
  • HSRA

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REVOLUTIONARY ORGANISATIONS (COMPARISON)

Organisation	Year	Objective
HRA	1924	Armed revolution against British
HSRA	1928	Socialist republic in India
Naujawan Bharat Sabha	1926	Youth mobilization

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SIGNIFICANCE FOR UPSC

• Represents:
  • Revolutionary phase of freedom struggle
• Highlights:
  • Youth participation
  • Ideological diversity (Socialism, Nationalism)
• Frequently asked in:
  • Prelims (facts & chronology)
  • Mains (comparison with Gandhian methods)

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PRELIMS FOCUS

• Shaheed Diwas: 23 March
• Execution Year: 1931
• Lahore Conspiracy Case: Related to Saunders’ assassination
• HSRA: Formed in 1928
• Naujawan Bharat Sabha: 1926
• Famous slogan: Inquilab Zindabad
• Bhagat Singh’s work: “Why I Am an Atheist”

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CONCLUSION

Shaheed Diwas symbolizes the spirit of sacrifice and revolutionary zeal, reminding us that India’s freedom was shaped by diverse paths of resistance.

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PRELIMS CHECK

Question 1

With reference to the Lahore Conspiracy Case, consider the following statements:

1. It was related to the assassination of James A. Scott.
2. J.P. Saunders was killed due to mistaken identity.
3. It led to the execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

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Question 2

Consider the following pairs:

Organisation	Objective
1. HRA	Establish socialist republic
2. HSRA	Armed revolution with socialist ideology
3. Naujawan Bharat Sabha	Youth mobilization

How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

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Question 3

With reference to Bhagat Singh, consider the following statements:

1. He was a member of Hindustan Socialist Republican Association.
2. He opposed the use of violence in all circumstances.
3. He authored “Why I Am an Atheist”.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) 1 only

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ANSWERS WITH EXPLANATION

Answer 1: (b) 2 and 3 only

• Target was Scott, but Saunders killed – Statement 1 incorrect
• Mistaken identity – Correct
• Led to execution – Correct

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Answer 2: (b) Only two

• HRA aimed at armed revolution, not explicitly socialist – Incorrect
• HSRA – Correct
• Naujawan Bharat Sabha – Correct

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Answer 3: (a) 1 and 3 only

• HSRA member – Correct
• Supported revolutionary violence – Statement 2 incorrect
• Authored famous essay – Correct

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“The legacy of martyrs lives on in every act of courage and every step toward justice.”