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The other day, while talking to someone close to me, we stumbled across a fairly common topic of discussion- Bhagat Singh vs Mahatma Gandhi. This debate has been raging ever since India received independence, which was over 7 decades ago. However, the last two decades have been particularly harsh to the memory of the Mahatma. The assault on his legacy is becoming more and more aggressive due to the rampant fake news, and the underlying political agenda. The self-proclaimed “Bhagat lovers” usually base their arguments on three emotions:-
1. Gandhiji could have saved Bhagat Singh.
2. Bhagat Singh was fearless, while Gandhiji was not.
3. Gandhiji was interested in power and politics.
All these three points above are absurd and infuriating. They are also very naïve and immature. These views are the result of brainwashing and bombardment of propaganda by a few individuals and organizations. However, in this article, we will try to stay away from a purely emotional rebuttal, and examine these views rationally. We will also try to imagine the possibility that you can idolize and admire the Mahatma, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
The biggest reason that these views are so seductive to some people is that they play on the unreasonable assumption that history is written in black-and-white. We have an unreasonable assumption and expectation from our history, where a character can make a “right or a wrong” decision. If you just try to examine your own life’s decisions closely, you will realize that this is a very naïve and unreasonable expectation even for a common man. Now, imagine how tough it must be to act as a national leader in a truly chaotic era. We have to be realistic and realize that heroes are not infallible, that there is not always a “right choice”.
We also fail to ask a crucial question when trying to debate if Gandhiji could have saved Shaheed Bhagat Singh- did Shaheed Bhagat Singh wanted to be saved? There is ample historical documentation in the public domain, which points to the fact that Shaheed Bhagat Singh never wanted to be saved by anyone. He wanted to be arrested. He knew that his execution would spark a revolution. He wanted his death to inspire. Shaheed Bhagat Singh was a true and fearless revolutionary. Even the assumption that he wanted to be saved, is a disservice to his memory and legacy.
There is also ample documentation available about Gandhiji’s strong appeals against Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s execution, and subsequent condemnation of the execution. We have to understand that the Mahatma was NOT the British Government. It is true that most of his appeals had listeners amongst the elite British administration. However, it is unrealistic to assume that all his appeals would have a successful outcome.
Was Gandhiji not as fearless as some other freedom fighters? Well, this is the most tragic assumption that some people make. It is also absolutely wrong and disgusting. I believe it is based on the assumption that non-violence is the opposite of bravery and revolution. However, they fail to realize that non-violence requires extraordinary courage. Let me give you an example- I am scared of dogs and whenever a dog barks at me, my first impulse is to hit it. While if a cat meows at me, I can just ignore it. If it’s a pack of dogs or a really big dog, I will just run. Unfortunately, I know that this will be true because of countless encounters with them. Why is that? Because my fear of the dog provokes a violent response, or a flight. Human brain is hardwired to provoke a fight-or-flight response when they are scared. It requires an extraordinary amount of courage and self-control to ignore these instincts when you are staring down the barrel of a gun, or are surrounded by a violent mob.
If this doesn’t convince you, there is also recorded history of several mainstream courageous acts by the Mahatma like
1. Driving ambulances in the battlefield during the first world war, for which he received the War medal.
2. Touring riot-ravaged areas throughout his life. These tours involved walking several miles through highly dangerous areas, often without enough food or security. This was especially crucial during the Bengal riots which were triggered by the partition of India in 1947. This tour helped in calming the explosive situation and was single-handedly responsible for saving countless lives.
In closing, I implore you to open your minds and embrace the legacy of two great souls of our heritage. If nothing else convinces you, remember, Shaheed Bhagat Singh admired and respected the Mahatma. They had different philosophies and methods, but a shared vision and life’s purpose- the dream of independent India. Shaheed Bhagat Singh believed in the Mahatma even towards the end. In one of his last conversations with his father Kishen Singh Shaheed Bhagat Singh made a fervent appeal “You must support your general (Gandhi). Only then will you be able to win independence for the country”. As the Mahatma’s legacy comes under attack, we would do well to remember these words.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.
Also read: ‘Braveheart, fanatic anarchist’ — what Bhagat Singh wrote of Savarkar, and their common cause