In India’s struggle for Independence the name of Bhagat Singh stands etched with the blood of his devotion and patriotism. This book, a revised edition, commemorates the 100th birth anniversary of this iconic young man: his beliefs, intellectual leanings and his dreams of an unshackled India.

Bhagat Singh (1907-31) lived at a time when India’s freedom struggle was non-violent and passive and was testing the patience of the populace. India’s youth was inspired and motivated by Bhagat Singh to join the revolutionaries of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA). “Inquilab Zindabad” became the war-cry of the fight for freedom.

Bhagat Singh realised that his execution was linked with political developments in the country. The British wanted to dole out limited powers for self-governance, but India was seething with discontent. Bhagat Singh was a well read and erudite person; but his jail writings came to light only after India’s Independence in 1947.

Books by Marx, Lenin and fiction too were secretly supplied to him and he studied these books with a passion. Bhagat Singh knew that he had to study hard to refute the opposition’s arguments, have enough reasons to support the revolution and to change accepted ways and systems of thinking. His intention was never to kill a large number or strike terror; his fearlessness was distilled by the wisdom of reading and the strength of his values and beliefs.

Inside story

Nayar explains, for the first time in history why Vohra turned approver, throwing shadows on Sukhdev’s allegiance to the party. But more important it explains Bhagat Singh’s use of violence, which was condemned by Mahatma Gandhi. In Bhagat Singh’s words: “These actions (killings) have their political significance inasmuch as they serve to create a mentality and an atmosphere which shall be very necessary to the final struggle.”

Nayar is a renowned journalist, author, diplomat and parliamentarian. He has held important positions as a member of the Rajya Sabha, as UK’s High Commissioner and in several news agencies. His syndicated column appears in over eighty publications worldwide. Nayar is the author of several books including Between the Lines and India House.

Bhagat Singh felt that he had not accomplished even an iota of what he had envisioned. He wanted not only a free India, but a secular and socialist country.

A fortnight before the execution he told a comrade that it would be a calamity if he were spared; if he dies bravely, mothers would want their children to emulate him and India would have a formidable force of freedom fighters.

At the tender age of 23 Bhagat Singh was executed after a sham trial for his involvement in the Lahore Conspiracy Case. He was glorified as a martyr as India had lost a true son. 

Title: Without Fear Author: Kuldip Nayar

Published by: HarperCollins India and The India Today Group

Price: Rs.395/-

Pages: 240