On 23 March, the legacy of Shaheed Bhagat Singh was invoked in Kolkata and parts of Punjab through a series of gatherings marking his martyrdom anniversary, amid global political tensions and concerns over escalating conflicts in West Asia.
In Kolkata, a protest programme was held along College Street on the occasion of Anti-Imperialism Day, following a call by several mass organisations. Participants raised demands for an end to ongoing conflicts, protection of natural resources, and the release of prisoners. A street play was performed by the cultural team Red Lantern of the Revolutionary Student Front in front of Presidency University. Representatives from workers’, farmers’ and student groups addressed the gathering, and cultural performances accompanied the procession. The programme concluded with a pledge to oppose imperialism and fascism.
In Punjab, an anti-imperialism conference held in Barnala passed a resolution criticising recent military actions involving the United States and Israel in Iran. Speakers at the conference alleged that such interventions were linked to geopolitical and economic interests in the region and expressed solidarity with the people of Iran. The gathering also criticised the Indian government’s foreign policy stance, calling for a reassessment of its international alignments and advocating closer ties with neighbouring countries.
At Hussainiwala National Martyrs Memorial, a mass gathering was organised by the Krantikari Kisan Union to commemorate the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, Sukhdev Thapar and Batukeshwar Dutt. Around 1,000 people, including members of farmer organisations and political groups, attended the event. Floral tributes were paid at the memorial, and speakers, including Darshan Pal, addressed the gathering. The organisers stated that the event aimed to bring together various groups to honour the martyrs and reflect on their legacy.
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*Freelance journalist
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