Why in News?

The birth anniversary was observed on 28^th Sept, 2025.

• Birth: 28 Sept 1907, Banga, Punjab (now Pakistan); came from a Sikh family active in freedom struggle.
• Formative Event: Jallianwala Bagh massacre (1919) at age 12 shaped resolve for independence; later joined National College, Lahore (founded by Lala Lajpat Rai); influenced by Swadeshi & revolutionary ideas.
• Revolutionary Politics:
  • 1924: Joined Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) → became Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928.
  • 1926: Founded Naujawan Bharat Sabha for youth mobilization.
  • 1929: With Batukeshwar Dutt, threw bombs in Central Legislative Assembly against Public Safety Bill & Trade Dispute Bill.
• Lahore Conspiracy Case (1928): With Rajguru & Sukhdev, killed J.P. Saunders to avenge Lala Lajpat Rai; all three hanged on 23 March 1931, Lahore Central Jail.
• Ideology: Atheist, Socialist; influenced by Marx, Lenin, Trotsky, Bakunin.
• Writings: Why I Am an Atheist; wrote in Urdu & Punjabi papers, Kirti, and Veer Arjun; often used pseudonyms Balwant, Ranjit, Vidhrohi.
• Legacy: Called Shaheed-e-Azam; slogan “Inquilab Zindabad”; 23 March– Shaheed Diwas (to honor Bhagat Singh, Rajguru & Sukhdev).