Every year on March 23, India remembers a day that filled the hearts of millions with sorrow, yet also ignited the spirit of freedom and patriotism. This day is known as Shahid Diwas, a day dedicated to the memory of three brave young freedom fighters—Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar—who were hanged by the British on this day in 1931. Their courage, their dedication to the cause of freedom, and their unwavering commitment to India’s independence have inspired generations of Indians to stand up for their rights and fight against oppression.
Let us take a closer look at Shahid Diwas 2025 & the lives of three extraordinary martyrs and the legacy they left behind. Their sacrifice reminds us of the importance of courage, unity, and determination in the face of adversity.
The Background of Shahid Diwas
The early 20th century was a time of great political unrest in India. The country was under British colonial rule, and the Indian people were suffering from exploitation, discrimination, and injustice. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose, and Jawaharlal Nehru were leading the masses in the fight for freedom. But it was not just the older generation that was determined to free India; young revolutionaries, inspired by the ideals of liberty and equality, were also rising up.
Among these young revolutionaries were Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar, who were determined to bring an end to British rule and lay the foundation for an independent India.
Bhagat Singh: The Icon of Courage
Bhagat Singh is perhaps the most famous of the three. Born on September 28, 1907, in the village of Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by the events around him. He was just 12 years old when he witnessed the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, where hundreds of innocent Indians were killed by British soldiers. This event left a lasting impression on Bhagat Singh and shaped his views about British oppression.
As a teenager, Bhagat Singh joined several revolutionary groups, including the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He believed that only a radical and violent struggle could end British rule. Bhagat Singh’s famous act was the assembly bombing in Delhi in 1929, where he threw bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly to protest against British policies. He was arrested for this act, but during his trial, he used the opportunity to spread his message of revolution.
Bhagat Singh’s most significant contribution was his fight against the execution of Lala Lajpat Rai’s death, which was caused by police brutality. He, along with his fellow revolutionaries, decided to assassinate J.P. Saunders, a British officer responsible for the death of Rai. In the process, Bhagat Singh was captured, and despite being given the death sentence, he remained firm in his belief that his actions were justified in the fight for India’s independence.
Before his execution, Bhagat Singh, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, faced torture, and yet they remained unwavering in their resolve. His famous slogan, “Inquilab Zindabad” (Long Live the Revolution), continues to resonate with people to this day.
Shivaram Rajguru: The Silent Hero
Shivaram Rajguru, born on August 24, 1908, in Khed, Maharashtra, was another prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle. Rajguru was a close associate of Bhagat Singh and played a vital role in the revolution. He was deeply inspired by the sacrifices of others, and like Bhagat Singh, he believed that India could only gain independence through an armed struggle.
Rajguru joined the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and quickly became a key member. His role in the assassination of J.P. Saunders was crucial. Rajguru was responsible for firing the fatal shots at the police officer. Though the act was part of a larger plan to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, it also served to strike fear into the hearts of the British, showing them that the youth of India were no longer afraid to fight for freedom.
Rajguru, like his fellow revolutionaries, was arrested and sentenced to death. Despite facing torture and imprisonment, he remained steadfast in his commitment to India’s independence. He was hanged on March 23, 1931, alongside Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev. Rajguru’s bravery and dedication to the cause of freedom continue to inspire generations of Indians.
Sukhdev Thapar: The Patriot with Unshakable Resolve
Sukhdev Thapar, born on May 15, 1907, in Lahore, was another passionate revolutionary who played an important role in India’s fight for independence. Sukhdev was a close associate of Bhagat Singh and Rajguru. He was a key figure in the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and worked alongside Bhagat Singh to carry out various revolutionary activities against the British.
Sukhdev was known for his calm demeanor and his unshakable resolve to fight for the freedom of his country. He was involved in several acts of protest against the British, including the bombing in the Central Legislative Assembly. Sukhdev was arrested and sentenced to death for his role in the murder of J.P. Saunders. Like Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, Sukhdev stood firm in his beliefs and was willing to give his life for the cause of India’s freedom.
Before his execution, Sukhdev expressed his deep love for his country and his determination to see India free from British rule. He, along with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru, was hanged on March 23, 1931, and his sacrifice has left a lasting legacy.
The Legacy of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev
The sacrifices of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev are a symbol of the courage and determination of the youth of India. These three young men showed the world that age and experience are not the only things that define a revolutionary; the spirit to fight for justice and freedom is what matters most.
On Shahid Diwas, it is important to remember their bravery and honor their sacrifice. While they gave their lives for the independence of India, their message transcends time. Their courage teaches us that if we stand together, we can overcome any challenge, no matter how difficult. It is a reminder that the fight for justice and freedom is ongoing, and it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to carry forward their legacy.
Today, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev are remembered as martyrs, whose names will forever be etched in the history of India. Their sacrifice ignited the flame of independence, and their fearless acts continue to inspire not only Indians but people around the world who are fighting for justice and freedom.
Conclusion: Shahid Diwas 2025
As we remember the heroes of Shahid Diwas on March 23, let us reflect on the values they stood for—courage, unity, and freedom. In today’s world, where the fight for justice continues in various forms, we can draw strength from their example.
Let their legacy remind us that the spirit of freedom is not just about fighting for independence from colonial powers, but also about standing up against all forms of oppression and injustice. The youth of India today have the power to bring about change, just as Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev did in their time.
So, on Shahid Diwas, let us pledge to work towards a stronger, more just, and more united India. We honor their memory not just with words, but with actions that will make India a better place for future generations. Their sacrifice was not in vain. Let us keep their spirit alive, and continue to fight for the values they stood for.
