Bhagat Singh

Considered as one the most influential and youngest revolutionaries of the Freedom struggle, Bhagat Singh (28 September 1907 – 23 March 1931) is referred to as Shaheed Bhagat Singh, meaning “martyr” in many Indian languages. Born into a Sikh family which had earlier been involved in revolutionary activities against the British Raj, Bhagat Singh was attracted to anarchist and marxist ideologies.

Avenging the death of another freedom fighter, Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh was successful at throwing two bombs and leaflets inside the Central Legislative Assembly while shouting slogans of Inquilab Zindabad. Held on these charges, Bhagat Singh undertook a 116 day fast in jail, demanding equal rights for both British and Indian political prisoners. Convicted and subsequently hanged at the age of 23, Bhagat Singh’s martyrdom has transformed him into a role model. Inspiring many films, Bhagat Singh is commemorated with a large bronze statue in the Parliament of India.