The Polarization of Bhagat Singh

The legend of a freedom fighter.

The Polarization of Bhagat Singh

Making him what He wasn’t

Upmanyu Bhardwaj 

                           

Introduction

Bhagat Singh, a great patriot and revolutionary, who played a pivotal role in our Independence journey. He was an influential man born into a Jat Punjabi Sikh Family, who themselves were involved in revolutionary activism. He gave his life for the country when he was hanged in the Lahore jail on 23rd March 1931.

Popular culture

He has been in popular culture. Year after year, he comes on pamphlets, posters with young political leaders,  Saheedi fair’s (Mela), so much so, that he also has been a part of the theatre, movies, and songs. This week marks his 109th Birth anniversary.

Why am I writing?

But, why I am writing about Bhagat Singh? I must have a reason in mind. And, luckily I have. A few days ago, most unexpectedly, I woke up early and decided to take a walk. I was roaming in the vicinity when I stepped at a parchment. I half-heartedly picked it up and my eyes fell on something familiar. A young, robust man, with a hat, Mustache and an indomitable glow on his face. This man was Bhagat Singh.

Why am I concerned? 

Why am I concerned?  When I looked further, I saw more such parchments lying aloof on the road, getting swept by a municipal worker. I resumed my walk, but then I happen to glance at the wall, which had similar posters and a political organization has used him ( Bhagat Singh) as some kind of agendas. Then, for the first time I thought, do we even know what this guy stood for, or like billions of Indians we just consider him as a “pawn” in India’s struggle or “Someone” who died as a revolutionary or “Someone” who was a just a face in the struggle for our Independence? Above all, should we leave such people lying on the pavements, on the roads? I guess, even your mind will abruptly say no, and to hell with those people who do it. Take a pause, it not happening for the first time in your life, isn't it? They never asked us to print their faces on pamphlets, nor did we ask them. So, out of decency, we mustn't disgrace them. A disgrace to them means a disgrace to our nation. But, my writing may appeal to you at the instant, but later on, it will be considered as a mere “Blog post”. So the decision to change or not to change is in your personal space, but do they deserve to be treated like that or not? Well, for me these are very big questions and the rest I leave it to your acumen. 

What did we miss? 

Moving on, truth is, most of us only know the half phase of Bhagat Singh’s life aka the revolutionary phase, the rebellious patriot who gave his life for our country. A Few years ago, I questioned some of my friends, was it that necessary for him to give up his life when he could just have lived and would have become a common man? I later got the answer which can be put in a few simple lines of JFK, “A Man does what he must” and I am, by no authority the right person to judge him for his choices. But, I do think about the present, whether or not the people would be really willing to do that or not? All I can be, with a billion others is, feel indebted of his temperament and ultimate sacrifice. But, unluckily, he is a mere political symbol who comes out during elections just to woo people. It's mostly a way to reach people. But, most of us are unaware of what truly made a  small boy from Punjab, The Bhagat Singh of Hindustan.

But, a question still lingers, how exactly was he? If sources are to be believed, he was a great intellectual who had a passion for reading. He was a voracious reader, who dwelt into pages. The letters, the essay’s and the pamphlets that he wrote are unequivocal of his intellectual acumen. He devoured, in particular, books on the Russian revolution and the Soviet Union, in the era when getting hold of such books was itself revolutionary. A point must be noted here that he also tried to inculcate reading habits in his fellow revolutionaries too. Later, he got inspired by Lenin’s view of a Socialist country. He undoubtedly was the best Marxist revolutionary our motherland has ever seen. His testament to his words were exemplary accounts of his inherent capability of applying Marxism, which in itself is full of complexity.

Present relevance

Gone are those days of the past when people truly knew their motives, the consequences or the repercussions of their actions. But today the situation is altogether different. We raise issues which have the potential to disintegrate our country to a larger extent. However, I am not saying that we shouldn't deliberate in democracy. Look how we have changed, for the better part of my life, we are much angry than before, we hardly read what is wrong and what is right, we make snap judgements, our blood is always boiling. I ask my readers, where would this take us? Even if it can, then how far it would be till we land up like our neighbours. I am not saying that criticism is bad, but ponder over it, when you face the problem you must come up with a solution or might deliberate upon it. People, lately have lost a gem, called as “patience”.

A major fault, which I should mention, is about social media too. Recently, being netizens, we are aware of the presence of unauthentic, unipolar views on social issues which are easily available . Lack of interest and knowledge forces us to believe what is presented to us. Thus, we get prone to quick, irrational judgements. Just to make my point, remember the bloody streets of Dhaka, which perpetuated that Muslims were mercenaries, well that was photoshopped. Jokingly, it has been just the fate that Dhaka was across the border. I wonder, what would have happened if the place was to be in India.

 Moving on, we must come up with a new art of criticism that has an inherent solution mechanism instead of raising the problems. This is known as ‘Constructive criticism’. It incorporates the art of listening to other's view, giving them a chance to present their story. And then, a consensus decision may be arrived upon. This will prove useful to a certain extent.

So, the next time you see something about which you have little idea.  Read about it first, and then judge whosoever you what.

Conclusion

Dark days are upon us. The evil forces are closing in fast. Our country's future is at stake. We must come together as one, leaving our identities behind, and feel proud of being called an Indian. By this way we can truly adhere to what our hero truly meant, instead of wearingT-shirtss, Stickers, or forcing people to say that they like them. Reading is what keeps us alive, and it is what that can lead to a final solution for our snap-judgemental attitudes.

Food for thought

Lastly, a food for thought. What do you think is more relevant in today's time, India as a communal country or a developing economy? Which of the two can solve all it's problems? Finally, closing with Pandit Nehru's word and I quote, "The ambition of the greatest men of our generation has been to wipe every tear from every eye. That may be beyond us, but so long as there are tears and suffering, so long our work will not be over." So, choose wisely, for your actions may define the future and fate of our country.

Note: The views are personal and does not want to undermine any society, sect, section, culture, community or any human being. Even if, this article feels offensive to some of you, the author is ready to listen to their views. 

Author can be reached at bhardwajupmanyu@gmail.com