Can you imagine anyone labeling Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh as indolent? Or accusing him of being duplicitous? Even more shockingly, can you fathom the allegation that Bhagat Singh deceived his comrades during hunger strikes by secretly eating, resulting in weight gain? These outrageous accusations were made against the legendary freedom fighter in Kanpur, a city closely associated with his revolutionary activities, during a session at the Kanpur Literature Festival.
At this event, so-called historian Dr. Aparna Vaidik, author of Revolution on Trial, and session moderator Ishan Sharma made disparaging remarks about Bhagat Singh’s character. Sharma initiated the attack by calling Singh a “man of dual character” and a “chameleon,” which Vaidik expanded upon by claiming Singh was a comfort-seeking individual who enjoyed fine clothes and Charlie Chaplin movies. She further alleged that he collaborated with hotel managers for meals and secretly consumed food during hunger strikes.
The Baseless Accusations Debunked
Bhagat Singh’s life is meticulously documented through numerous books, letters, and British jail records, all of which contradict these claims. From his teenage years, Bhagat Singh dedicated every moment to the cause of India’s freedom. At the age of 16, he left his home to join Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi’s newspaper Pratap, writing under the pseudonym Balwant Singh. His revolutionary journey, inspired by Ghadar Party martyr Kartar Singh Sarabha, began early and culminated in acts like the assassination of British officer Saunders in 1928 and the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1929.
These events highlight Bhagat Singh’s unwavering commitment to the nation’s liberation. The allegation that he was a comfort-seeker falls flat when examining his rigorous lifestyle and sacrifices.
Hunger Strikes and Alleged Deception
Dr. Vaidik’s assertion that Bhagat Singh ate secretly during his hunger strikes is not only baseless but also insulting. Historical accounts, including those by Jawaharlal Nehru, who met Singh during his 1930 hunger strike in Lahore Jail, portray a frail but determined revolutionary. Nehru noted the spiritual aura and calm demeanor of Bhagat Singh, despite the physical toll of his protest.
Singh’s weight fluctuation during hunger strikes could have been due to medical reasons or British propaganda to tarnish his image. However, primary sources, including his letters and writings, unequivocally affirm his integrity.
The Legacy of Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh’s intellectual depth is evident in his extensive writings, including a 404-page diary documenting over 100 revolutionary thinkers, philosophers, and leaders. He translated Irish revolutionary Donal O’Brien’s autobiography during his incarceration, underscoring his intellectual pursuits even in jail.
The accusations made at the Kanpur Literature Festival are a disservice to Bhagat Singh’s legacy. His life, defined by sacrifice and unwavering commitment, leaves no room for such baseless allegations. Attempts to malign his character must be met with facts and reverence for his contributions to India’s independence.
Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh remains a symbol of courage, integrity, and intellect—a revolutionary whose legacy is impervious to such unfounded critiques.
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