Bhagat Singh is often remembered as one of India’s greatest freedom fighters, but his vision of revolution extended far beyond the fight for independence. For him, true freedom wasn’t just about breaking British rule; it was about creating a society where everyone could live with dignity, equality, and justice. In today’s India, with rising unemployment, growing authoritarianism, and increasing economic inequality, Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary ideas are more relevant than ever. His thoughts on systemic change, the dangers of unchecked power, and the importance of unity in diversity provide a roadmap for addressing our challenges as a nation.
For Bhagat Singh, the revolution didn’t simply mean violent rebellion or dramatic acts of defiance; it was about transforming society. He believed in challenging the deep inequalities and exploitation that structured life in his time. He famously said, “Revolution is not the cult of bomb and pistol; it is the spirit which works for the overthrow of the existing social order” (Lal, 2007). This perspective is crucial today, especially when we consider the economic crisis gripping India. Unemployment has reached alarming levels, with over 20% of India’s youth jobless (CMIE, 2024). For millions of graduates, finding meaningful work is becoming increasingly difficult, and this economic frustration often translates into disillusionment and despair.
What Bhagat Singh understood—and what remains true today—is that unemployment and poverty are not just individual problems; they are systemic issues that demand systemic solutions. He believed that the wealth created by the labour of workers and peasants should benefit them directly rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few. This belief resonates in contemporary India, where the richest 1% own over 40% of the nation’s wealth (Oxfam, 2023). Economic policies that prioritize privatization and profit have left the majority of Indians struggling to make ends meet, while a privileged few enjoy unprecedented luxury. Bhagat Singh’s advocacy for socialism wasn’t just about state ownership of resources; it was about creating a system where the basic needs of every individual are met and where opportunities are distributed fairly.
The agrarian crisis in India provides a stark example of how Bhagat Singh’s vision remains relevant. Despite being the backbone of the economy, farmers continue to face enormous challenges, from rising debts to unstable crop prices. Thousands of farmers have been driven to suicide, a grim reminder of the failures of the current system. Bhagat Singh believed that the labouring classes—the farmers, workers, and peasants—are the real sustainers of society, and any nation that neglects their well-being is bound to fail. Today, his call for empowering these groups serves as a powerful critique of economic policies that prioritize corporate interests over the needs of ordinary citizens.
Another critical aspect of Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary philosophy was his staunch opposition to authoritarianism. Living under colonial rule, he experienced firsthand how unchecked power could stifle freedom and crush dissent. Bhagat Singh’s fight was not only against British imperialists but also against the very concept of authoritarian governance. He believed in questioning authority, no matter who wielded it, and argued that true freedom meant the ability to think, speak, and act without fear. His famous assertion that “it is easy to kill individuals, but you cannot kill ideas” (Singh, 193) is particularly resonant today as India witnesses increasing restrictions on free speech and a shrinking space for dissent. The use of draconian laws to silence critics of the government mirrors the colonial tactics Bhagat Singh resisted. Sedition charges, anti-terror laws, and other legal tools have been used to target activists, journalists, and students who speak out against injustice. This climate of fear undermines the democratic values that form the foundation of our nation. Bhagat Singh’s writings remind us that dissent is not a threat to democracy; it is its lifeblood. By suppressing dissent, we risk losing the very freedoms that so many fought to achieve.
Bhagat Singh’s commitment to secularism and inclusivity also holds significant relevance in today’s India. He was deeply opposed to communalism and rejected the idea of using religion as a tool for political mobilization. In his essay “Why I am an Atheist,” he wrote about the dangers of blind faith and emphasized the importance of rational thinking (Singh, 1931). At a time when communal tensions are on the rise and political rhetoric often exploits religious identities, Bhagat Singh’s vision of a secular and inclusive society offers a powerful counter-narrative. He believed that unity was essential for national progress and that dividing people along religious or caste lines only served to weaken the country. The rise in hate crimes and targeted violence against religious minorities highlights the urgent need to uphold Bhagat Singh’s ideals. Polarization and identity politics have created an environment where differences are exploited rather than celebrated. Bhagat Singh’s belief in the power of education and rational thought to combat prejudice is a reminder of the work we need to do to build a society where diversity is seen as a strength, not a weakness.
One of Bhagat Singh’s greatest strengths was his ability to inspire young people. He was only 23 when he was executed, yet his ideas and actions mobilized an entire generation. Today, India’s youth face a range of challenges, from unemployment and underemployment to a lack of access to quality education. Despite these obstacles, young people have been at the forefront of many movements for change, from protests against unemployment to campaigns for climate justice. These movements reflect the revolutionary spirit that Bhagat Singh championed—a willingness to challenge the status quo and demand a better future.
Bhagat Singh’s message to young political workers was clear: revolution is not an easy path, but it is a necessary one. He believed that the youth had a responsibility to question injustice and work toward creating a society where everyone could thrive. His writings encourage young people to move beyond individual success and focus on collective progress. In today’s context, this means not only advocating for better job opportunities and educational access but also pushing for systemic changes that address the root causes of inequality.
Another area where Bhagat Singh’s ideas remain relevant is the role of education in shaping society. He was a firm believer in the power of education to awaken critical consciousness and promote rational thinking. In a world increasingly dominated by misinformation and divisive narratives, education remains one of the most powerful tools for change. Bhagat Singh’s emphasis on fostering a spirit of inquiry and challenging dogma is a reminder of the importance of creating educational systems that encourage critical thinking rather than rote learning. In addition to his political and economic critiques, Bhagat Singh’s writings also offer insights into the cultural and psychological aspects of revolution. He understood that true change required not just external action but also internal transformation. This holistic approach to revolution challenges us to think about how our values, attitudes, and behaviours contribute to the systems we live in. It reminds us that revolution is not just about what happens in the streets or parliament; it is also about what happens in our minds and in our communities.
Bhagat Singh’s legacy is not just a historical one; it is a call to action. His vision of revolution—a society free from exploitation, oppression, and division—remains an unfinished project. In a time of global upheaval, his ideas provide a framework for addressing the challenges of our age. Whether it is fighting unemployment, resisting authoritarianism, or building an inclusive society, Bhagat Singh’s philosophy offers a blueprint for creating a just and equitable world. As we reflect on the state of our nation, Bhagat Singh’s words challenge us to confront the inequalities and injustices that persist. His revolutionary ideals remind us that change requires courage, conviction, and a commitment to the collective good. In his own words, “Revolution is an inalienable right of mankind. Freedom is the imprescriptible birthright of all” (Singh, 1931). These words continue to inspire those who dream of a fairer and more compassionate world, urging us to carry forward the legacy of one of India’s greatest visionaries.
References
Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE). (2024). Unemployment in India: Trends and Statistics. CMIE Database.
Lal, C. (2007). The Jail Notebook and Other Writings of Bhagat Singh. LeftWord Books.
Marxists Internet Archive. (n.d.). Bhagat Singh archive. Retrieved December 10, 2024, from https://www.marxists.org/archive/bhagat-singh/index.htm
Oxfam. (2023). India’s inequality report 2023: Bridging the divide. Oxfam India.
Singh, B. (1931). Why I am an Atheist. Self-published.
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Sunit Singh is doing an MA in Sociology from the Department of Sociology, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. His research interests include education, law, ideology and ecology.