Shaheed Diwas is observed on March 23 every year to mark the death anniversary of Indian freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar.
On March 23, 1931, the three were hanged to death by the Britishers in the Lahore Central Jail in British India (now Pakistan). The valiant patriots were sentenced to death in the Lahore conspiracy case and ordered to be hanged on March 24, 1931. However, they were executed on March 23, 1931 at 7:30 pm, almost 11 hours before the scheduled time for the hanging.
Following the death of one of India's most prominent freedom fighters, Lala Lajpat Rai, in November 1928, the trio vowed to avenge Rai's killing. Rai, who led a non-violent protest against the Simon Commission, inspired many young Indians to join Indian independence movement against the Britishers. Rai had succumbed to injuries sustained during a lethal lathi charge ordered by British police officer James A Scott, who was infamous for his cruel behaviour.
With a motive to teach British forces a lesson, Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev planned to execute Scott. Singh had publicly declared to execute Scott. However, the trio mistook British police officer John Saunders for Scott and allegedly fatally shot him. Following the shootout, Singh continued his freedom struggle. Meanwhile, the Britishers charged the three freedom fighters for Saunders' killing.
In April 1929, Singh along with his accomplice Batukeshwar Dutt, set off two explosive devices without hurting anyone inside the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. They, then, allowed themselves to be arrested, while shouting the famous freedom struggle slogan, "Inquilab Zindabad", or "Long live the revolution".
The trio's contribution in the Indian freedom struggle is invaluable. The brave sons of Mother India continue to inspire generations to fight for their rights and freedom. On their martyrdom day today, let's remember the sacrifices of our brave freedom fighters.
(From: Times Now News)
