New Delhi: Shaheed Diwas is celebrated every year on March 23. On this day, the freedom fighters of the country are honoured for the sacrifices they made to free the country from British control. The three fighters Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar were hanged in the Lahore jail on this day. They were apprehended and given the death penalty, in the case of J. P. Saunders' murder and the assault on the Central Legislative Assembly.
Shaheed Diwas 2023: History
With the well-known slogan "Simon, go back," Lala Lajpat Rai organised a nonviolent demonstration against Sir John Simon's visit to Lahore on October 30, 1928. Although the demonstration was peaceful, Superintendent of Police James A Scott gave the command for the police to lathi-charge the demonstrators, inflicting fatal injuries on Lala Lajpat Rai. Following his passing, the three young freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev made the decision to murder James Scott, but due to a misunderstanding, they instead killed another superintendent of police, John P. Saunders.
To teach them a lesson for killing Rai, they prepared another assault on the Central Legislative Assembly. They also intended to prevent the passage of the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Dispute Act.
They attempted to attack the Central Legislative Assembly on April 8, 1929 but were immediately caught. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were all sentenced to death. The three were hanged in the Lahore jail on March 23, 1931. At the time they were hanged, Singh, and Sukhdev were 23 years old while Rajguru was only 22 years old.
Shaheed Diwas 2023: Significance
On this day, Indians honour the heroes who fought for India's independence and gave their lives in the process. There is no denying the reality that many Indians find inspiration in figures like Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. Additionally, this day is also a symbol of unity and pride for the nation as a whole and it helps us remember the brave hearts who laid down their lives for the country's freedom.