Martyr day-23rd March

Remembring the legend Shaheed-e-azam Bhagat Singh March 23, 1931 Bhagat Singh was hanged in Lahore, with fellow revolutionaries Rajguru and Sukhdev

Bhagat Singh (1907-1931) is remembered as Shaheed Bhagat Singh or Shaheed-e-Azam. The word shaheed means "martyr". His slogan of ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ made a great impact on the youth during the freedom movement. On this martyr day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, there is a need to make an appeal all the Indian spread across in the world to pledge to fight with the forces which has kept India poor and backward, to give a sincere message to the youths and empower them and handle over the safe India in their hands to take care.

The words of Bhagat Singh “Any man who stands for progress has to criticize, disbelieve and challenge every item of the old faith”

Indian Freedom fighters mostly followers of Gandhiji who have sacrificed their lives are many, but Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Raj guru were exceptions. As their approach was quite different from followers of Gandhi.

My good friends who have visited Shaheed Bhagat Singh's place of birth and all were quite sad to share that there is no due recognition by the Indian government at government level even for not giving place in the public gallery in Parliament. A number of institutions have prefixed the name of Shaheed Bhagat Singh but remember on his birthday and martyr day merely on ritualistic basis by organising ceremonies and arranging speakers on the occasions. Such institutions are only concerned with getting the benefits from the government in the shape of grants in the name of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. Even the relatives of Bhagat Singh have established a big educational institution at Faridabad, but again it also needs attention to be cared and looked after. Again, his 'samadhi' at Hussaniwala situated at Indo-Pak border gives a deserted look. It is maintained only during the month of March to celebrate the martyr day by the political parties. Even till date, there is no regular transport or train facility to visit this place.

I have only read that the incidnece of Jallian wala Bagh has made a great impact on young nine year old Bhagat Singh, who visited the site and carried the blooded soil to his home and besmeared it on his forehead.

One of the well wishers at Hyderabad Sri Susheel Ji adhrent follwoer and believer of Bhagat Singh's philosophy and I call him Susheel Bhai is the general secreatry of Bhagat Singh Seva Samithi and organises special events for School children, youth on this day. Again, great Indian Soldiers of kargil war were invited and honoured. And he always sings "O mera rang de basanti Chola" and begins his speech. He has also installed Bhagat Singh's Statue at the entrance of his office premises.

Of course, there are Hindi films are on Shaheed Bhaget Singh. I only remember the old black n white version played by Manoj Kumar as Bhagat Singh and Prem Chopra as Raj Guru. I had watched in over Doorshan channel in 1984. This is the popular song:

o mera rang de basanti chola mera rang de hai
o mera rang de basanti chola oye rang besamaan hai
basanti chola maai rang de basanti chola (2)
mera rang de basanti chola

dam nikale is desh ki khaatir bas itna armaan hai (2)
ek baar is raah mein marna sau janmon ke samaan hai
dekh ke veeron ki qurabaani apna dil bhi bola
mera rang de basanti chola
o mera rang de basanti chola mera rang de
o mera rang de basanti chola oy rang de basanti chola
maai rang de basanti chola

jis chole ko pahan shivaaji khele apni jaan pe
jise pehan jhaansi ki raani mit gayi apni aan pe
aaj usi ko pehan ke nikla pehan ke nikala
aaj usi ko pehan ke nikla ham mastano ka tola
mera rang de basanti chola
o mera rang de basanti chola mera rang de
o mera rang de basanti chola oy rang de
basanti chola maai rang de basanti chola (2)