Historical significance of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru: Parallels between colonial era and current socio-political environment

By Harsh Thakor

On March 23, the Revolutionary Students Front (Inquilabi Chatra Morcha) organized a meeting at Azad Park in Allahabad -- now renamed Prayagraj -- to commemorate the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.

Seema Azad, President of the People's Union for Civil Liberties, addressed the gathering. She highlighted the historical significance of the three martyrs and drew parallels between the colonial era and the current socio-political environment. Azad emphasized the relevance of Bhagat Singh’s ideas in contemporary struggles, particularly in areas such as scientific education, healthcare, employment, economic equality, and the promotion of a scientific temper. She argued that Bhagat Singh’s ideology offers a path toward social liberation and called for the formation of organizations that adopt his methods of struggle. Azad also paid tribute to Avtar Singh Paash, acknowledging his role as a revolutionary poet and martyr.

Activist Anupam discussed how Bhagat Singh’s teachings on caste and economic exploitation are often ignored by mainstream narratives, which focus primarily on his anti-colonial role. He stressed the importance of understanding and applying Bhagat Singh’s political ideology in contemporary efforts to challenge feudalism and imperialism. Anupam also spoke about the need for self-sacrifice and commitment to societal liberation, drawing connections between Bhagat Singh’s actions and current struggles against economic exploitation and capitalism.

Ashish addressed the role of social media in spreading communal divisions and sidelining Bhagat Singh’s legacy, particularly his views on education and unemployment.

Manoranjan Kumar reflected on the contribution of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh to India’s independence. He criticized cultural phenomena such as the IPL, suggesting they promote escapism among youth, and called for young people to actively resist the current regime, which he described as neo-fascist.

The program concluded with a message from Devendra and the recitation of revolutionary songs.

Although modest in scale, the event was seen by participants as a meaningful effort to revive the teachings of Bhagat Singh and resist communalism.

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*Freelance journalist

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