Shaheed Bhagat Singh, the most iconic revolutionary of Bharat, was hanged to death along with his two companions on March 23, 1931. He is known for his keen mind and his bold ideology for the independence of Bharat, which motivates the generations till today. Although Bhagat Singh was well known for his cats' bravery against the British colonizers, very few know about the extent of his educational ambitions.
Bhagat Singh was not only a revolutionary but also held deep academic understanding that reflected from his scholarly thoughts. His friends have also referred to him as a bibliophile, mentioning that he used to carry books wherever he went, at times even stuffed into his pockets. He read almost 250 books before his arrest and more than 300 in prison. He even had a tiny library in Agra for fellow revolutionaries and refused to deny himself books even in prison. His writings, in Kirti-Akali and Veer Arjun Pratap, were politically provocative and intellectually sophisticated. Reading about the life and philosophy of Bhagat Singh on March 23, which is Shaheed Diwas (Martyrdom Day), is a fitting tribute to his legacy. Here are five books that must be read in order to gain a profound insight into his revolutionary thinking and intellectual richness:
1. Why I Am an Atheist—Bhagat Singh
One of the most popular works of Bhagat Singh, widely read, it is a revelation of his thoughts on religion, revolution, and rationalism. Composed in prison, it is a scathing critique of blind faith and evidence of his unshakeable belief in reason and manhood.
Why should this book be read
This book is the first-hand account of the intellectual development of Bhagat Singh.
The book analyzes the criticism of orthodox belief and a call for scientific thought and rationalism.
2. The Jail Notebook and Other Writings—Bhagat Singh
In prison, Bhagat Singh devoted his time to studying Marxist literature, revolutionary works, and historical works. This book is a selection of his writings from jail, a pointer towards his vast knowledge about socialism, justice, and political thought.
Why this book should should be read
This book demonstrates his strategic thinking and intellectual acuity.
This book provides a glimpse of his vision for free India after independence.
3. The Complete Writings of Bhagat Singh
This book is a complete documentation of Bhagat Singh's revolutionary essays, letters, and writings. This book gives us his honest opinion regarding colonialism, oppression, and social justice.
Why should someone read this book
This book comprises unedited, original writings of Bhagat Singh.
The piece of writing is a must-read for all who want an authentic grasp of his ideology.
4. Understanding Bhagat Singh, Camana Lal
Authored by historian Camana Lal, the book gives a critical analysis of Bhagat Singh's life, revolutionary ideology, and legacy. It dispels some myths too and gives a thoroughly researched perspective about his transformation as a nationalist to a devoted Marxist.
Why should someone read this book
This piece of writing distinguishes historical facts from popular myths.
It provides a wider perspective of the contribution of Bhagat Singh to India's freedom struggle.
5. Without Fear: The Life and Trial of Bhagat Singh—Kuldip Nayar
The renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and famous author, Kuldip Nayar, delves into the life, trial, and martyrdom of Bhagat Singh and his final days and courtroom speeches. This book portrays the courage and injustice of his sacrifice.
Why should someone read this book
This book provides a better account of his legal struggle and dying moments.
It attempts to depict British colonial oppression and Shaheed Bhagat Singh's fearless rebellion.
Why should these books be read, especially on the Shaheedi diwas day
March 23 is not just a day to remember Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, but a day to think about their ideology and sacrifices. These books force us to study the most unacknowledged mindset of Bhagat Singh.
- The true aspect of revolution is not the mere use of arms. People often misunderstand or deliberately mislead people, utilizing the thoughts of Bhagat Singh to achieve their own political intensions.
- Bhagat Singh's ideal of free, progressive, and just India.
- The need to challenge authority and struggle for justice.
Bhagat Singh: The Revolutionary Scholar
To understand Bhagat Singh at his very core, it is also absolutely necessary to recognize his scholarly facet.
- Bhagat Singh coined the term ‘political prisoner’ and struggled to improve the situation of freedom fighters in jail.
- He and his fellow comrades initiated a hunger strike for access to books, magazines, and writing supplies. While today the youth of the nation has completely underestimated the importance of reading intellectual works.
- He opined that revolution's sword is sharpened on thoughts, reiterating that change comes from ideas, and not from violence. Ironically, today almost every political or nonpolitical movement uses Bhagat Singh at their ideal without understanding the true intentions of Bhagat Singh.
Today, though Bhagat Singh's revolutionary image is revered across the globe, his intellectual contribution is being overlooked. He hoped that generations to come would have a rational, scholarly approach to tackling social and political problems. As he would say:
"Study was the cry that echoed along the corridors of my mind. Study to prepare to meet the arguments put forth by opposition. Study to equip yourself with arguments for your cult."
Through these books, we pay tribute to Bhagat Singh's legacy and see that his concepts of justice, learning, and brave activism motivate future generations.