23 March is observed as Shaheed Diwas or Martyr's Day in India, to pay tribute to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence. The day is significant as it marks the execution of three revolutionaries, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, by the British colonial government in 1931. The story behind the declaration of 23 March as Shaheed Diwas is closely linked to the Indian struggle for independence and the role of these three freedom fighters in it.
Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were members of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary group that was dedicated to achieving India's freedom through armed struggle. The trio was involved in several revolutionary activities and had played a significant role in the Kakori train robbery of 1925, where they looted a train carrying money belonging to the British government.
In 1928, they were involved in the assassination of a British police officer, John Saunders, in Lahore, to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai, a prominent Indian nationalist leader. The British colonial government arrested them and charged them with the murder of Saunders.
During their trial, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev were vocal about their revolutionary beliefs and refused to plead for mercy. On 23 March 1931, the three were hanged to death in Lahore jail, and their bodies were secretly disposed of by the British authorities. The news of their execution spread rapidly, and it triggered widespread protests and outrage across the country.
The sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev had a profound impact on the Indian freedom struggle and inspired many young Indians to join the fight for independence. The Indian National Congress, which was then the main political party leading the struggle for independence, declared 23 March as Martyrs' Day to commemorate the sacrifice of the three revolutionaries. In 1961, the Government of India officially declared 23 March as Shaheed Diwas, a day to pay tribute to all the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country's independence.
In conclusion, 23 March is observed as Shaheed Diwas in India to remember the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who gave their lives for the cause of the country's independence. The day is significant as it reminds us of the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters and inspires us to uphold their ideals of courage, patriotism, and dedication to the nation. The story behind the declaration of Shaheed Diwas highlights the bravery and determination of these three young revolutionaries and their role in shaping the course of India's struggle for independence.
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