This book written by Prof. Malvinder Jit Singh is a biography of Bhagat Singh that captures in detail the various events of his life - both personal and political.
Though he has a cult following in India at present, there is often an image of a pistol brandishing angry young man portrayed on him. This book reveals the true nature of Bhagat Singh. It talks about how he valued human lives and never believed in bloodshed, despite being an extremist in the freedom struggle.
His contrasting transformation into a communist hailing from a family with Arya Samaj connection shows the independent intellect in him. The biography also puts forth Bhagat Singh as a voracious reader. It explains how some of his favourite reads had an impact on his thinking and the activities he was involved in.
This book details how Bhagat Singh was drawn towards communism - he and his colleagues wanted to organize the peasants, labourers and working class across the nation to raise voice against the imperialists. This is evident when Bhagat Singh and BK Dutt involved themselves in the assembly bombing incident as a sign of protest against the passing of trade dispute bill which imposed restrictions on workers from organizing and conducting strikes for their demands.
The sufferings of Bhagat Singh and his colleagues in jail, and the unjust treatment they received in the judicial proceedings are touched upon here; the resistance they had shown, by withstanding the pain, in order to make their stand is astonishing.
Some of the articles written by Bhagat Singh in newspapers, books and his jail notebook also find a place in this book. One of the articles on untouchables written by him indicates that Bhagat Singh opposed not just the social hierarchy but also the caste hierarchy. This particular article resonates Dr. Ambedkar's take on the unjust hierarchical structure prevalent in Indian society.
His courage even while facing the gallows and while anticipating death, his undying thirst for the freedom of the country, his determination to stand by his principles and his rationalist approach are inspiring. There is no denial that Bhagat Singh can never be ignored in youth politics.
"Inquilab Zindabad"
Your zeal for rationalism and knowledge is inspiring! Your eloquent style of presenting your analysis and thoughts is astounding! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThank you MM !!
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