The Revolutionary Fervour

Each to his own when it comes to choosing his/her hero/heroine when it comes to the Indian Independence Struggle. I do admire many, especially those who are beyond the usual list of celebrities. Yet my most favourite patriot amongst all of them continues to be Bhagat Singh. Hence this tribute on his birth anniversary, not much remembered or celebrated yesterday. 

Just compare him to the GenZ's, or what you have, of today. He sacrificed himself at the altar of the freedom struggle at a much much younger age. He fought an extremely unjust imperialist government reeking of capitalist tendencies. Yet not even once did he utter a single bad cuss word! And here we have the most foul mouthed freaks who are, moreover, justified by the oh-so-intellectuals!

In his early twenties, he was far better read, with a distinct progressive vision, and a clear plan of action full of commitment. Honestly, he never thought through wolfed down food! In fact, his almost forever fast from behind the bars shook the British Empire, and truly energised the nascent national feel.

That does not mean that he was a killjoy. Why, he is not only a scholar, an intellectual, but also a sincere author, and a fervent poet. In fact, he loved to mock most ironically the British 'masters'. Yet never ever was it vulgar or in bad taste.

Actually, the great leaders of his times were not exactly on his radical revolutionary side. Yet never ever would you find, even in his extensive writing, a single ugly reference to anyone. Instead, his writings reveal an exceptionally well-read person with a very clear vision that cuts across both, class and caste. 

Nor did his parents create a huge hue n cry about his leadership. Equally committed to the freedom struggle was his entire kith n kin. Revolutionary fervour coursed along his veins. Yet his vision was absolutely creative, constructive and committed.

I adore him so hugely that I can write pages after pages on him. I consider it my great luck that I could read his collected writings for an article in "Kirloskar", while i got to review the skew of films on him in the Centenary Year. 

Hence this paean in praise of him. Let me conclude by saying that he read Marxism in depth, and he was aware of the great traditions of our motherland. Yet never ever did he suffer from convenient tunnel vision, mired in this or that ideology. What mattered to him was the welfare of his nation. How I wish he had lived a little longer!

Pratima@