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UPSC MainsGENERAL-STUDIES-PAPER-I20115 Marks50 Words
Q20.

Bharat Naujawan Sabha

How to Approach

This question requires a concise note on the Bharat Naujawan Sabha. The answer should focus on its historical context, founding principles, key leaders, activities, and eventual fate. A chronological approach is best, starting with its formation during the independence movement and tracing its evolution. Mentioning its connection to the broader nationalist movement and its ideological leanings (socialism, communism) is crucial. The answer should be factual and avoid subjective interpretations.

Model Answer

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Introduction

The Bharat Naujawan Sabha (BNS), established in 1925, was a youth organization formed as a part of the Indian nationalist movement. It emerged as a response to the perceived lack of radicalism within the Indian National Congress and aimed to mobilize youth towards complete independence. Founded by Bhagat Singh and his associates, the Sabha played a significant role in advocating for socialist and revolutionary ideals, challenging the existing socio-political order and inspiring a generation of freedom fighters. Its activities were largely focused on political education and organizing youth for direct action.

Formation and Founding Principles

The Bharat Naujawan Sabha was officially founded in October 1925 in Lahore. The primary motivation behind its formation was the belief that the existing nationalist movement was not sufficiently addressing the socio-economic grievances of the masses. Key founders included Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shiv Verma. The Sabha’s core principles revolved around achieving complete independence from British rule, establishing a socialist society based on equality, and promoting rationalism and scientific temper.

Key Leaders and Organizational Structure

Bhagat Singh served as the General Secretary of the Sabha, providing ideological leadership and direction. Other prominent leaders included Sukhdev Thapar, Shiv Verma, Yashpal, and Ajoy Ghosh. The Sabha operated through a network of branches across various cities and towns in North India, particularly in Punjab, Delhi, and the United Provinces. It had a well-defined organizational structure with committees at different levels responsible for recruitment, propaganda, and coordinating activities.

Activities and Ideology

The Sabha engaged in a range of activities aimed at mobilizing youth and spreading its ideology. These included:

  • Political Education: Organizing study circles and lectures to educate youth about socialist and revolutionary ideas.
  • Propaganda: Distributing pamphlets, leaflets, and newspapers to disseminate its message. The Sabha published a journal called ‘Naujawan’.
  • Social Service: Undertaking social service activities to address the needs of the poor and marginalized.
  • Direct Action: While initially focused on peaceful methods, the Sabha later advocated for more direct action, including participation in revolutionary activities.

The Sabha’s ideology was heavily influenced by Marxism and Leninism, advocating for a classless society and the overthrow of capitalist exploitation. It also emphasized the importance of secularism and communal harmony.

Connection to Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)

The Bharat Naujawan Sabha served as a recruiting ground for the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), founded in 1928. Many members of the Sabha joined the HSRA, which engaged in more overt revolutionary activities, such as the assassination of J.P. Saunders and the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in 1928. Bhagat Singh played a pivotal role in both organizations, bridging the gap between political education and direct action.

Decline and Suppression

Following the Lahore Conspiracy Case in 1928, the British government launched a crackdown on the Sabha and its members. Many leaders were arrested and imprisoned, and the organization was declared illegal in 1929. The execution of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru in 1931 dealt a severe blow to the Sabha, leading to its gradual decline and eventual disintegration. However, its legacy continued to inspire subsequent generations of Indian revolutionaries and socialists.

Conclusion

The Bharat Naujawan Sabha, though short-lived, played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of the Indian independence movement. It represented a radical strand of nationalism that challenged the prevailing moderate approach and mobilized youth towards a more assertive and revolutionary path. Its emphasis on socialist ideals and its commitment to social justice continue to resonate in contemporary India, reminding us of the sacrifices made by those who fought for a more equitable and independent nation.

Answer Length

This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.

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Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Revolutionary Nationalism
A political ideology that advocates for radical social and political change through revolutionary means, often involving the overthrow of existing power structures. In the Indian context, it referred to movements advocating complete independence through direct action and sometimes violence.
Naujawan
The Hindi/Urdu word for "youth" or "young man". It reflects the Sabha's focus on mobilizing the younger generation for the cause of Indian independence.

Key Statistics

By 1929, the Bharat Naujawan Sabha had established branches in over 60 towns and cities across North India.

Source: Based on historical accounts and research papers on the Sabha (knowledge cutoff 2023)

The Sabha’s journal, ‘Naujawan’, had a circulation of over 2,000 copies by the late 1920s, indicating its growing influence among youth.

Source: Historical records and research on the Sabha (knowledge cutoff 2023)

Examples

The Lahore Conspiracy Case

The assassination of J.P. Saunders in 1928, a British police officer, by Bhagat Singh and his associates, was a direct outcome of the Sabha’s advocacy for direct action and retaliation against British oppression. This event led to a widespread crackdown on the Sabha and its members.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶What was the difference between the Bharat Naujawan Sabha and the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association?

The Bharat Naujawan Sabha was primarily a youth organization focused on political education and mobilizing youth. The Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) was a more militant organization that engaged in direct revolutionary action, such as assassinations and bombings. The Sabha often served as a recruiting ground for the HSRA.

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