This is not a post about lesser-known facts on Bhagat Singh’s valiant life. You can read all about that here.
This is not a post about his badass quotes either. You can check those out here.
This is a post celebrating a man who gave up his life for the sake of our Independence. A man who sacrificed himself for our country so that you and I could live and breathe in a free country. Long before you and I were even born.
This is a post saluting a man who chose to die for his motherland, at the very young age of 23.
Needless to say, Bhagat Singh wasn’t just another regular person. He was well read and opinionated, he knew what he was fighting for and he knew what he was up against. And in the brief time he had, he even got around to writing books on various topics.
As a child, he was good at academics and even showed an affinity towards theatre. He could’ve pursued that. He could’ve lived a peaceful life. He could’ve chosen to marry and grow old, have kids and a house.
But he didn’t choose any of that. His own well being wasn’t his priority. He cared about his country, more than anything else.
He spoke about how he would sacrifice himself when the time came. And they weren’t hollow words. When the time arrived, it is said that he went to the gallows with a smile on his face. He knew that his death alone wouldn’t win us freedom. He knew it wouldn’t end there.
But it was a start and it needed to happen. And he didn’t even bat an eyelid.
Please always bear in mind that he was just 23.
Just picture yourself at 23. If you’re past that, what have you achieved? If you’re still getting there, what are you going to achieve?
I, for one, know that I haven’t done anything even remotely close to put myself in the same sentence as him.
But this isn’t an attempt to compare and shame. All I am saying is that here is a man who did the unthinkable when he was still a boy. All I am saying is that he deserves our respect, if nothing else.
So on the occasion of his 87th death anniversary, let’s spare a moment for Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
As we continue to breathe in the free air that cost his life and countless others, it’s the least we can do.
