Every year on March 23, India commemorates Shaheed Diwas, also known as Martyrs’ Day, as a way of honoring the martyrs who gave their lives to preserve India’s freedom. Three Indian independence fighters—Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru—were executed on this day in 1931. Today marks the anniversary of their deaths.
On this day, Indians hold a two-minute silence in remembrance of the sacrifice made by these three outstanding freedom warriors. And all other brave martyrs who gave their lives in the fight for the country. At their individual memorials in Delhi, the Indian president, vice president, and prime minister pay respects to these outstanding freedom heroes. On this day, there is also a tradition of organizing processions, marches, and demonstrations around the nation. Schools and colleges often arrange special events to mark the day and teach the pupils about the martyrs’ sacrifices. The day serves as a reminder to the Indian community of the importance of independence and the price paid by freedom warriors for their nation.
History of Shaheed Diwas
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Due to the harsh treatment of the British policy toward Indian citizens. An organization that supported violence against British rule and which was totally different from all the other existing organizations, Hindustan Socialist Republican Association[HRSA], an organization that believed in violence against British policy was formed. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru mainly led this organization and were the prime members of it.
On October 30, 1928, Lala Lajpat Rai organized a nonviolent demonstration under the banner “Simon, Go Back” in opposition to Sir John Simon’s visit to Lahore. Despite the fact that the protest was non-violent, James A. Scott, the superintendent of police, gave the order for the police to deploy batons to scatter the demonstrators. Unfortunately, Lala Lajpat Rai died as a result of his injuries. Young revolutionary independence fighters Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev made the decision to kill James Scott following the tragic death of Lala Lajpat Rai. They assassinated John P. Saunders instead after mistakingly believing he was another superintendent of police.
Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev prepared an attack on the Central Legislative Assembly in an effort to exact revenge for Lala Lajpat Rai. they tries to obstruct the passage of the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Dispute Act.
On April 8, 1929, all three of them attempted to bomb the Central Legislative Assembly. This plan was never successful but in return, the police arrested all three of them. The British government totally unhappy with their act, sentenced all three of them to death.
On 23rd March 1931, they were all hanged to death at the age of 23,24,22 respectively.
