rajya-sabha-pays-tribute-to-bhagat-singh-rajguru-sukhdev

The Rajya Sabha on Monday paid tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar on the anniversary of their martyrdom, with Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan describing their sacrifice as a defining moment in India’s freedom struggle.

When the House assembled for the day, Radhakrishnan noted that March 23 marks the execution of the three revolutionaries in 1931 during British colonial rule, when they were in the prime of their youth.

“Their unparalleled courage, indomitable spirit and supreme sacrifice remain a shining chapter in our nation’s struggle for freedom and continue to evoke deep respect and gratitude from every citizen of India,” he said.

He added that their martyrdom was not merely an episode in the freedom movement but a turning point that awakened the nation’s conscience and inspired millions to unite against colonial rule.

“The freedom that we cherish today is the result of the sacrifices of countless patriots, and among them this heroic trio occupies a special place in the heart of every Indian,” Radhakrishnan said.

Also read: Shaheed Diwas: Remembering Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev

He urged members to reaffirm their commitment to constitutional values and democratic principles. The House observed a moment of silence in their memory.

Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were key figures in the revolutionary movement against British rule. Bhagat Singh, one of the most influential revolutionaries, became a symbol of youthful resistance and patriotism. Along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, he was involved in the assassination of British officer John Saunders in 1928, an act carried out to avenge the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who had succumbed to injuries sustained during a protest against colonial authorities.

The trio later gained widespread attention for the Central Legislative Assembly bombing in 1929, which was intended as a symbolic protest against repressive laws rather than to cause casualties. Their subsequent trial and execution on March 23, 1931, galvanised the freedom movement and turned them into enduring icons of sacrifice and resistance.

Their legacy continues to resonate across generations, with their ideals of courage, justice, and sacrifice remaining deeply embedded in India’s national consciousness.