Contribution of Personalities

Bhagat Singh defined revolutionary nationalism as “the determination to achieve freedom by all means, including violence, if necessary.” It was influenced by various ideologies like Marxism which advocates for the establishment of a classless society through the overthrow of capitalism and Anarchism which calls for the abolition of all forms of government and social hierarchy.

Key Elements of Bhagat Singh’s Concept of Revolutionary Nationalism:

• Armed Resistance: He didn’t believe in passive resistance or civil disobedience as sufficient means to challenge British rule. Eg: He threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly challenging draconian laws like the Public Safety Bill and the Trade Dispute Act directly.
• Secularism: Singh stood for a united India and was against communal divisions. Eg: In the Naujawan Bharat Sabha meeting in Lahore (1926), to state secular values, Bhagat Singh and his fellow revolutionaries openly voiced their opposition to any appeasement of all religions and brushed aside slogans like Allahho Akbar, Sat Sri Akal, Vande Mataram, etc.
• Social Justice: Singh was not just concerned about political freedom but also social freedom. Eg: He openly advocated against untouchability and endorsed women’s rights, revealing a comprehensive view of social justice.
• Youth Mobilization: Singh recognized the untapped potential of the youth in bringing about revolutionary change. Eg: His founding of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha aimed to mobilize the youth in a structured way for the struggle against colonial rule.
• Sacrifice: Bhagat Singh acknowledged the role of personal sacrifice in achieving collective freedom. Eg: He willingly accepted the death penalty, becoming a martyr and symbolizing ultimate sacrifice for a cause.
• Political Education: Bhagat Singh saw the dissemination of political ideas as essential for mass mobilization.: His pamphlets and writings, including the profound “Why I am an Atheist,” served to politically educate the masses.

Bhagat Singh’s Revolutionary Nationalism was influenced by ideologies like:

Impact of Marxism

• Class Struggle: Bhagat Singh was deeply influenced by Marxist ideology, which emphasizes the struggle between classes. He recognized that the British colonial rule was not just a political subjugation but also an economic exploitation of the lower classes.
• Materialism: His affinity for Marxist materialism steered him toward atheism and scientific temper. Eg: His essay “Why I am an Atheist” articulates this viewpoint, explaining how material conditions shape human life and actions.
• Workers’ Rights: Marx’s emphasis on proletarian solidarity and labor rights found its way into Bhagat Singh’s advocacy. Eg: He openly spoke against the deplorable conditions Indian laborers were subjected to and argued for better wages and working conditions.
• Means of Production: His Marxist leanings made him advocate for the public ownership of resources and the means of production. Eg: His socialist writings called for a system where resources were not concentrated in the hands of a few but were collectively owned.

Impact of Anarchism

• State Critique: Anarchism greatly influenced Bhagat Singh’s critique of the state machinery. He questioned not only the colonial government but also warned against traditional hierarchies within India.
• Anti-Authoritarianism: Anarchist principles cemented his anti-authoritarian stance. He was against any form of authoritative rule, be it colonial or autocratic governance in an independent India.
• Revolutionary Violence: Inspired by anarchist thought, he supported the use of immediate and direct action to achieve revolutionary objectives. Eg: His bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly was not aimed at causing loss of life but was a loud protest against oppressive laws.

Enduring Significance within the Contemporary Indian Socio-political Landscape:

• Youth Activism: Bhagat Singh saw the youth as the cornerstone of any revolutionary change. Today, his ethos resonates with the active participation of the youth in political sphere. Ex: Nirbhaya case: Amendment in JJ Act (Juvenile Justice).
• Social Equality: Singh’s staunch criticism of the caste system and advocacy for social equality still echo in contemporary India. Eg: Modern movements like Dalit activism and anti-caste initiatives continue to draw inspiration from his ideals, emphasizing the urgent need for social reform.
• Civil Liberties: Bhagat Singh was an ardent defender of civil liberties, including freedom of speech and the right to dissent. Eg: Today, concerns around the imposition of sedition laws and the shrinking space for dissent are reflective of issues that Singh would have stood against.
• Democratic Ideals: Singh strongly endorsed democratic values and was opposed to any form of autocracy. Eg: Movements protesting restrictions on freedom of speech and the press often refer back to Singh’s commitment to democratic principles.
• Global Perspective: He drew inspiration from global movements and considered the struggle against imperialism to be universal. Eg: His sense of internationalism is relevant today as Indians increasingly participate in global issues, as seen in solidarity protests for Black Lives Matter.
• Anti-Corruption: Bhagat Singh’s disdain for corruption and advocacy for a transparent government align with modern sentiments. Eg: Anti-corruption crusades, like the one led by Anna Hazare, often invoke Bhagat Singh as a symbol of integrity and the fight against corruption.

Overall, Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary nationalism provided a multi-dimensional approach to India’s struggle for freedom. Today, his ideals still echo in various aspects of the Indian socio-political landscape, proving the enduring relevance of his revolutionary vision.