Contributions of Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi

The contributions made by Bhagat Singh and Mahatma Gandhi are mentioned below:

Bhagat Singh

He was an early member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) that sought India’s independence.

• Along with Sukhdev and Rajguru, avenged the death of Lala Lajpat Rai by killing British officer Saunders in 1928.
• Carried out non-lethal bomb explosions in the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929 as a protest against colonial rule.
• Wrote influential articles and letters explaining the goal of liberation from British rule.
• Promoted atheism and socialism as means to fight social injustices.
• Opposed communalism and called for Hindu-Muslim unity.
• Inspired many youth and revolutionary groups to join India’s freedom struggle.
• Showed courage and perseverance by undergoing long hunger strikes in jail.
• Refused legal defense and court proceedings as a protest against British law.
• Sentenced to death at age 23 along with Sukhdev and Rajguru for the assassination of Saunders.
• His martyrdom sparked nationwide outrage and inspired an intensified freedom movement.
• Remains an icon of revolutionary zeal and courage especially among youth.

Mahatma Gandhi

He led the non-cooperation movement against British rule from 1920-1922.

• Pioneered the concept of Satyagraha or non-violent civil disobedience.
• Played a leading role in the Dandi March in 1930 to protest the salt tax.
• Launched the Quit India Movement in 1942 demanding India’s independence.
• United Muslims and Hindus during the Khilafat Movement in 1919.
• Fought to abolish social evils like untouchability and caste discrimination.
• Promoted religious harmony between Hindus and Muslims.
• Championed the empowerment of women, oppressed classes, and rural masses.
• Led nationwide campaigns for the poor e.g. Champaran movement for farmers
• Pioneered new forms of non-violent protest like hunger strikes.
• Inspired future leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela.
• Helped India gain independence through peaceful means in 1947.
• Laid the foundations of Indian democracy, secularism and non-alignment.

Martyr’s Day is celebrated on 30th January in India. Martyr’s Day is important because it honors the courageous freedom fighters who gave their lives defending India’s independence. This day serves as a reminder to the courageous men and women of India who fought for their country’s freedom from British rule and made many sacrifices. It honors Bhagat Singh, Sukhde­v Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru.

In this article, we will look into the background and significance­ of this day, saluting the brave people who battled for India’s independe­nce.

Let’s dive right in.