Shaheed Diwas is observed annually on 23 March in India to honour the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru, who were executed by the British on this day in 1931. The day serves as a reminder of courage, patriotism, and the responsibility of citizens in nation-building.
Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| Date | 23 March |
| Occasion | Martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru |
| Year of Martyrdom | 1931 |
| Organisation | Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) |
| Purpose | Honour sacrifice and inspire youth |
Theme for 2026: “Mera Bharat Meri Zimmedari”
The theme focuses on:
- Youth responsibility in nation-building
- Encouraging: Civic participation; Awareness and active contribution
It connects: Past sacrifices to Present duties, urging citizens to act responsibly for India’s progress.
Historical Background
Shaheed Diwas marks the execution of:
- Bhagat Singh
- Sukhdev Thapar
- Shivaram Rajguru
They were convicted in the Lahore Conspiracy Case (1928) related to the killing of British officer J.P. Saunders.
Key Context:
- Saunders was mistakenly targeted instead of: James Scott, held responsible for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai during protests against the Simon Commission
- The revolutionaries were members of: Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)
Significance
- Commemorates: Sacrifice of young revolutionaries
- Highlights: Freedom struggle was achieved through struggle and sacrifice
- Inspires: Youth participation in nation-building
- Promotes: Patriotism and civic responsibility
About the Revolutionaries
Bhagat Singh
| Aspect | Details |
| Born | 1907 (Punjab) |
| Key Role | Leading revolutionary thinker |
| Organisation | HSRA; Founder of Naujawan Bharat Sabha |
- Threw bombs in Central Legislative Assembly (1929) to protest British rule (without intent to kill)
- Popularised slogan: “Inquilab Zindabad”
- Executed at age 23 in Lahore Central Jail
Sukhdev Thapar
| Aspect | Details |
| Born | 1907 (Ludhiana) |
| Role | Organiser of revolutionary networks |
| Organisation | HSRA |
- Played key role in: Mobilising youth in Punjab
- Involved in: Lahore Conspiracy Case
- Executed on 23 March 1931
Shivaram Rajguru
| Aspect | Details |
| Born | 1908 (Maharashtra) |
| Known for | Sharp shooting skills |
| Organisation | HSRA |
- Participated in: Assassination of J.P. Saunders
- Known for: Courage and dedication
- Executed at age 22
Organisations Involved
Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)
- Revolutionary organisation
- Aim: End British rule through armed struggle
Naujawan Bharat Sabha
- Founded by Bhagat Singh
- Objective: Mobilise youth for independence movement
Important Events Linked
- Simon Commission Protest (1928)
- Death of Lala Lajpat Rai
- Lahore Conspiracy Case
- Assembly bombing (1929)
Lala Lajpat Rai
- Known as: “Punjab Kesari”
- Died due to: Injuries during protest against Simon Commission
Central Legislative Assembly Bombing (1929)
- Conducted by: Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt
- Purpose: Protest, not assassination