Martyr's Day 2021: History, significance and inspirational quotes by Bhagat Singh

Martyrs’ Day is commemorated across India on 23rd March each year. On this solemn day, Indians pay homage to the people who gave their lives during the struggle for India’s independence. Year after year, different leaders put together an event to honour slain freedom fighters and show their respect for the perished.

It is imperative to note that Martyrs’ Day, also known as Shaheed Diwas is celebrated on many occasions in India. 30th January is observed as the Martyrs' Day every year across the nation to mark the death anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.

Earlier in the year, the centre called on all the state governments and union ministries to partake in two munites of silence on 30th January in the memory of martyred freedom fighters. The sacrifice by the trio became a source of inspiration for Indians. This is why 23rd March was commemorated as Shaheed Diwas.

On 30th January, the day is observed with the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Defence Minister coming together at Rajghat in the national capital to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The top leaders of the country lay wreaths in memory of Gandhi ji.

On this day, the nation in precise pay homage to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru. These freedom fighters had lost their lives on 23rd March 1931 during the freedom struggle. They were send to the gallows for assassinating British officer John Saunders in 1928.

Here's some inspirational quotes by Bhagat Singh

1) “Revolution did not necessarily involve sanguinary strife. It was not a cult of bomb and pistol.”

2) “Lovers, Lunatics and poets are made of same stuff.”

3) “Merciless criticism and independent thinking are the two necessary traits of revolutionary thinking.”

4) “Love always elevates the character of man. It never lowers him, provided love be love.”

5) "…by crushing individuals, they cannot kill ideas."

6) “Zindagi to apne damm par hi jiyi jaati hain..dusron ke kandhe par toh sirf janaze uthaye jaate hain.”

Also Read: PM Modi pays tribute to Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru on Shaheed Diwas