The Birth of a Legend
On September 27, 1907, a son was born to Sardar Kishan Singh and Vidyawati in Banga, a small village in Punjab's Lyallpur district, now part of Pakistan following the partition. This child, Bhagat Singh, was destined to become a revolutionary icon.
His grandfather, Sardar Arjun Singh, a respected farmer, celebrated the newborn's arrival with great joy, gathering family, relatives, and neighbors for festivities. Despite the cheerful celebrations, the family carried a shadow of sorrow-Bhagat's father and uncles were imprisoned by the British government for their involvement in the freedom struggle.
A Family of Freedom Fighters
Sardar Arjun Singh's family was renowned for its anti-British stance. His sons-Ajit Singh, Swaran Singh, and Kishan Singh-were all deeply involved in the independence movement. Ajit Singh spearheaded an organization called Bharat Mata, with Swaran Singh serving as its Publicity Minister. Their relentless efforts to ignite revolutionary sentiment in Punjab often landed them in British jails.
Kishan Singh, while trying to evade capture, was eventually arrested alongside two fellow activists. At the time of Bhagat Singh's birth, all three brothers were imprisoned. However, their newborn nephew brought unexpected fortune-Sardar Kishan Singh and Swaran Singh were released on bail shortly after his birth.
Ajit Singh, considered a major threat by the British, was detained in Burma's Rangoon Jail. Upon his release, he fled to Germany via Iran, Turkey, and Austria to evade re-arrest. Tragically, Swaran Singh's re-imprisonment led to severe hardships, and he succumbed to tuberculosis at a young age.
The family's sacrifices left lasting scars. Ajit Singh's wife, Harnam Kaur, lived like a widow despite her husband being alive, while Swaran Singh's wife, Hukum Kaur, became a childless widow in her twenties. These personal tragedies fueled Bhagat's growing patriotism, as he grew up hearing stories of courage and sacrifice from his aunts.
A Childhood Rooted in Patriotism
Bhagat Singh's formative years were deeply influenced by his family's anti-British sentiment. Conversations at home revolved around freedom struggles, British atrocities, and the family's sacrifices. This environment ignited a rebellious spirit in young Bhagat.
His aunts, seeking solace in their nephew, often shared stories of their husband's sacrifices. These tales of courage, combined with his uncle Ajit Singh's heroics, made a lasting impression. Bhagat dreamed of avenging his family's suffering and freeing the nation from colonial rule.
The Gun Crop: A Symbol of Defiance
At just five years old, Bhagat accompanied his father, Kishan Singh, to their fields. While his father discussed politics with a friend, young Bhagat wandered off and began digging the soil. When asked what he was doing, Bhagat replied, "I'm planting guns to fight the British and free my uncles."
This innocent yet profound act revealed the depth of Bhagat's understanding. His father and friend were left speechless, realizing that the boy had inherited his family's indomitable spirit.
Kishan Singh, overwhelmed by his son's determination, promised him guns if he excelled in his studies. Reluctantly, Bhagat left the field, but his resolve to fight for freedom remained unshaken.
The Seeds of Revolution
Bhagat Singh grew up in an environment steeped in patriotism, sacrifice, and resistance. The stories of his family's struggle against British rule and the personal tragedies they endured shaped his ideology. From a young age, he harbored a burning desire to free his country from oppression.
This legacy of courage and defiance sowed the seeds of revolution in Bhagat Singh's heart, laying the foundation for the fearless freedom fighter he would become.