What is Shaheed Diwas and why is it celebrated on March 23?

New Delhi: Every year on March 23, Indians observe Shaheed Diwas which is also known as Martyrs’ Day. This day is dedicated to remembering those who sacrificed their lives to make India free from the British government’s rule. The day is also famous for being a dark chapter in the history of India.

On this day,  the British government hanged freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajgurua, and Sukhdev Thapar in 1931 in Lahore jail. Their sacrifice fills the heart of Indians with pride.

Besides, Shaheed Diwas is also celebrated on January 30. On this date, Father of India Mahatama Gandhi was assassinated by Nathruam Godse.

Wishing on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas, PM Narendra Modi tweeted in Hindi, ”I pay respect to the immortal sons of Mother India, Veer Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru on Martyrs’ Day.”

”Their sacrifice for the motherland will always be inspirational for the countrymen. Long Live India!,” PM Modi added.

शहीद दिवस पर भारत माता के अमर सपूत वीर भगत सिंह, सुखदेव और राजगुरु को कोटि-कोटि नमन। मातृभूमि के लिए मर मिटने का उनका जज्बा देशवासियों को सदैव प्रेरित करता रहेगा। जय हिंद!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 23, 2022

History and Significance of Martyrs’ Day or Shaheed Diwas

The execution of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev was ordered after they killed British assistant superintendent of police, John Saunders. The heroic story starts when Lala Lajpat Rai succumbed to his injuries in November 1928. Rai received injuries when the Superintendent of Police in the British Raj, James A. Scott ordered the police to lathi-charge anti-Simon commission protesters. Among the protesters, Rai received serious injuries.

Notably, it was a silent and non-violent march. Rai’s demise led the three martyrs to take revenge on Scott.

However, they mistakenly killed John Saunders. They also threw bombs in the Central Assembly on April 8, 1929. Meanwhile, they shouted Inqilab Zindabad.