1907 — 1931
The Journey for Azadi
Twenty-three short years — and a life that shook an empire. Follow every step of Bhagat Singh's journey from a village boy in Punjab to the conscience of a nation.
1907
Birth in Banga
Born on 27 September in Banga, Punjab, the day his father Kishan Singh and uncle Swaran Singh were released from prison for nationalist activities.
1919
Jallianwala Bagh
At age 12, visits the site of the Amritsar massacre and brings home blood-soaked soil. The event plants the seed of revolution in his heart.
1923
National College, Lahore
Joins National College, founded by Lala Lajpat Rai. Excels in debate, theatre and writing; begins deep study of world revolutions.
1924
Joins the HRA
Escapes an arranged marriage and reaches Kanpur, joining the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA). Begins organizing and writing for revolutionary papers.
1926
Naujawan Bharat Sabha
Founds the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in Lahore — an open, secular organization to mobilize youth, peasants and workers for independence.
1927
First Arrest
Arrested in connection with the Kakori case investigation; goes on a 116-day hunger strike demand... released on bail after intervention. Uses the time to organize in Lahore.
1928
HSRA & the Saunders Case
After Lala Lajpat Rai dies from injuries sustained in a police lathi-charge against the Simon Commission protest, Bhagat Singh and comrades shoot Assistant Superintendent J.P. Saunders in Lahore on 17 December, avenging his death. The HRA is reorganized as the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), with 'Socialist' added to declare its ideals.
1929
The Assembly Bombing
On 8 April, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt throw two harmless smoke bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly, Delhi, shouting 'Inquilab Zindabad' — 'to make the deaf hear.' They stay to be arrested, using the trial as a platform for the revolution.
1929
The Hunger Strike
From jail, leads a historic hunger strike demanding equal treatment for Indian political prisoners. Comrade Jatin Das dies after 63 days, sending a wave of grief and fury across India.
1930–31
Lahore Conspiracy Case Trial
Tried in the Lahore Conspiracy Case for the Saunders shooting. From the dock he writes essays, letters and his famous 'Why I am an Atheist'. Sentenced to death on 7 October 1930.
1931
Martyrdom — 23 March
Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev are hanged in Lahore Central Jail at 7:30 pm, hours ahead of schedule. Their bodies are secretly cremated on the banks of the Sutlej. India mourns — Gandhi calls him brave; millions call him immortal.
23 March — Shaheed Diwas
Martyrs' Day is observed across India every year in memory of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.