Bhagat Singh: Revolution Beyond Politics

Bhagat Singh's Evolving Concept of Revolution

Initially, revolutionary movements in India, including the early phase of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA), largely focused on overthrowing British rule through armed struggle. However, Bhagat Singh and his comrades significantly broadened this understanding. They recognized that achieving political independence without addressing underlying socio-economic inequalities would merely replace foreign exploiters with native ones. Their vision, articulated through the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), which the HRA was renamed in 1928, emphasized a multifaceted revolution.

Key Dimensions of Bhagat Singh's Redefined Revolution:

• Socialism and Economic Justice: Bhagat Singh was a staunch advocate of socialism. He believed that true freedom meant the emancipation of the masses from all forms of exploitation, including economic. His vision entailed the abolition of landlordism, capitalism, and the equitable distribution of resources. He argued that the struggle was not just against British imperialism but also against indigenous systems of economic oppression. He famously stated, "The struggle of India would continue so long as a handful of exploiters go on exploiting the labour of the common people for their own ends. It matters little whether these exploiters are purely British capitalists or British and Indians in alliance, or even purely Indians."
• Atheism and Rationalism: Bhagat Singh critically examined traditional religious beliefs, viewing them as potential impediments to social progress and unity. His essay "Why I Am an Atheist" laid bare his rationalist convictions, advocating for scientific temper and questioning blind faith. He believed that communalism, often fueled by religious differences, diverted attention from the real issues of exploitation and served the interests of the ruling class. He sought to create a society where religion was a private affair, and the state remained secular.
• Anti-Imperialism and Anti-Capitalism: For Bhagat Singh, anti-imperialism was intrinsically linked to anti-capitalism. He recognized that colonial rule was driven by economic exploitation and that true independence required dismantling the capitalist structures that enabled such exploitation. The HSRA's ideology explicitly called for the establishment of a socialist republic based on collective ownership of resources and the elimination of class exploitation.
• Critique of Existing Social Order: Bhagat Singh's revolution was not merely about political change but a complete overthrow of the existing social order. He opposed caste-based discrimination, communalism, and all forms of social inequality. He envisioned a society built on equality and justice for all, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
• Revolution through Consciousness and Mass Mobilization: While not shying away from armed struggle to awaken the masses, Bhagat Singh ultimately believed that true revolution would come through the awakening of the people's consciousness. He emphasized political education and the organization of laborers and peasants, seeing them as the true vanguards of a socialist revolution. He moved beyond individual acts of heroism towards advocating for a broad-based people's movement.

The transformation of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928 itself signifies this ideological shift. Under Bhagat Singh's influence, the organization adopted a manifesto that clearly articulated its commitment to socialist principles and a vision of an egalitarian society, moving beyond purely nationalist aspirations.