Crop of Revolution

Whenever there is birthday of any film star, all TV channels rant happy birthday to you! But when it comes to heroes of our freedom struggle, they are not remembered.
I was standing in front of paternal house of Bhagat Singh at Khatkarkalan in district of Nawashahar, Punjab, thinking how anyone can be so passionate for independence of his country that he can sacrifice his life for it. Indeed it is very difficult for our generation who has breathed in independent India to understand this. Bhagat Singh, born on 28th ( or 27th ) September, 1907 who later got the title of ‘Shahid-e-Azam’ (Supreme Martyr) was one of the most inspiring freedom fighters of the country.
In age when we roam around, he at the age of just 24 was hanged on 23rd March, 1931. At that time he was more popular than Gandhi and became a youth icon in his life time. Much bigger icon than any of the film stars today. Youth of those times wanted to become like him.
I think of the child who sowed guns believing that a crop of guns will be there. That may have been his fantasy but he grew a crop of revolution with likeminded youth who were ready to kill and get killed for the sake of mother India. Jalianwala massacre happened in 1919 and left 12 year old Bhagat Singh restless and his mission was set for rest of his life. He joined legends like Chandra Shekhar Azad and devoted his life for country and here we complain on any advice from parents, “ye meri life hai!
Most important what our generation can learn from Bhagat Singh is that he did not do anything in excitement. All his acts from killing of Saunders to throwing bomb in assembly were thoughtful actions. He could have run away from assembly after throwing bomb but he opted to get arrested clearly aiming to use his trial in court as forum to spread his thoughts among the youths of the country.
And he was successful in motivating thousands of youth in his life and death. He is relevant even today when we need such selfless leaders. He was an ideal, not only for the youngsters of that time but is still followed by many youngsters of India even today. Particularly those who join armies and defend our borders.
Back from pilgrimage to his home, I feel happy that he is still favorite hero of Punjab when it comes to pasting a sticker on back of your car. But is there Bhagat Singh beyond sticker?
If youths as shown in films like rang de basanti are his todays` edition! I don`t think so. We can make place for us whichever field we go. We should always lighten up the name and fame of our country. Youngsters like Bhagat Singh, sacrificed their lives so that people like us can live peaceful and independent lives and so that India can become “saare jahan se achchhaa”. We can’t let their sacrifice go waste. Come on! Gen next; let us pledge to launch another freedom struggle, for freedom from clutches of illiteracy, divisions of caste and religion and many other ills of our society. If Bhagat Singh could do it, you can do it too.