The Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Museum located in Khatkar Kalan, Nawanshahr, Punjab is a place that keeps the memory of one of India's greatest freedom fighters alive. The museum tells the story of brave man's life, sacrifices and the struggle for India's independence.

Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Museum

The Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Museum was inaugurated in 1981 on his 50th death anniversary in his home village, Khatkar Kalan, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab.

It was earlier in Jalandhar district, now became part of Nawanshahr (Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar) district. The memorable belongings of the martyrs are displayed at the place to pay homage to the great revolutionary martyrs of the Punjab, who laid down their lives for the liberation of their motherland.

What is on display in the museum?

The museum has the half-burnt ashes of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.
It also shows the blood-soaked sand and the blood-stained newspaper which was used to wrap their ashes after their execution.
One page of the Lahore Conspiracy Case’s Judgement through which martyr Kartar Singh Sarabha was sentenced to death. Bhagat Singh wrote some personal notes on this page.
A copy of the holy book Gita that was given to Bhagat Singh in Lahore Jail is also displayed. It has his original signature on it.
Items used by Bhagat Singh, such as his clothes, diary, and letters, can be seen at the museum.
Paintings of revolutionaries and Ghadar Party members who inspired Bhagat Singh are on display. These include Kartar Singh Sarabha and other heroes who motivated him to join the freedom struggle.

"On the solemn occasion of #ShaheedBhagatSingh’s birth anniversary, the Mann govt. pays homage at the revered Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Museum, Khatkar Kalan—honoring the indomitable spirit and enduring legacy of a revolutionary who shaped the course of history." pic.twitter.com/j8iilpE6fe
— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) September 28, 2024

The museum remains open from Tuesday to Sunday, is closed on Mondays. There is no entry fee to visit the place.

Rajguru originally named as Shivaram Hari Rajguru was a freedom fighter and member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He was trained in using weapons and believed in armed against British rule.

Sukhdev originally named as Sukhdev Thapar was a strong leader is HSRA. He played an important role in planning revolutionary activities and inspiring young people to join the freedom struggle. He wa not present during the killing of Saunders but was one of the main planners. He stood with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru in the court, during the trial, and even in their final moments.

Kartar Singh Sarabha was a young Indian freedom fighter and a member of the Ghadar Movement. He was born in 1896 in Punjab and went to the USA for studies, where he joined the fight against British rule. He came back to India to start a revolution but was caught by the British. At just the age of 19, he was hanged in 1915. He became a symbol of courage and was a great inspiration to Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

What is Ghadar Movement?

The Ghadar Movement was a revolutionary movement started by Indians living abroad in 1913 to fight against British rule in India. It aimed to start an armed rebellion and free India from colonial rule. The movement was led by the Ghadar Party, mainly formed by Indian immigrants in the USA and Canada. Though their plan to revolt during World War I failed, the movement inspired many freedom fighters, including Kartar Singh Sarabha, Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Who was Shaheed Bhagat Singh?

Bhagat Singh was born on September 28, 1907, at Banga in Lyallpur district (now in Pakistan). He came from a family of a freedom fighters who were already involved in the struggle against British rule. From a young age, Bhagat Singh was inspired by the stories of brave people fighting for India's Independence. He read books about revolution and dreamed of a free India where everyone would live with respect and justice.

As he grew older, Bhagat Singh joined revolutionary groups that wanted to remove British rule from India. He believed that peaceful protests were not enough and the stronger action was needed. In 1928, to take revenge for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, Bhagat Singh with his comrades, Rajguru and Sukhdev killed a British officers named Saunders.

Later in 1929, Bhagat Singh along with other freedom fighters threw bombs in the Central Assembly in Delhi. It was not done to hurt anyone, but to make British hear the voice of freedom. He stayed there and shouted slogans "Inquilab Zindabad" (Long Live Revolution).

Bhagat Singh was then arrested and sent to Delhi Jail and later to Lahore Jail, where he was also tried in the Lahore Conspiracy case. In Jail, he saw that Indian political prisoners were treated ill. To fight against this, he and other prisoners started hunger strike on June 15, 1929, demanding better treatment and equal rights for Indian prisoners.

During the huger strike, Bhagat Singh refused to eat for 116 days, even though his health became very weak. One of the prisoner, Jatin Das died during the strike after 63 days. Bhagat Singh continued and finally, Britishers gave in to some of the demands.

While in jail, Bhagat Singh read many of the books, wrote letters. He also wrote a book, "Why I am an Atheist." The book can still be accessed in national libraries, is available online.

It can be accessed from the given link - Why I am an atheist by Bhagat Singh | Open Library

At the age of 23, he was hung on March 23, 1931, along with Rajguru and Sukhdev. They were punished for standing up against British and fighting for the people of India. Even before his death, Bhagat Singh became a hero. His last words were "Inquilab Zindabad."

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