Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation, Pakistan, observed the 116th birthday of legendary martyr Rajguru, who was hanged along with Bhagat Singh on March 23, 1939, while he was only 22 years old.
About Shivaram Hari Rajguru (1908–1931):
- He was a prominent Indian freedom fighter who played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence against British colonial rule.
- He is best known for his association with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev Thapar in the revolutionary activities that culminated in the assassination of British police officer John Saunders in 1928.
Early Life and Background:
- Rajguru was born on August 24, 1908, in a small village called Khed (now renamed Rajgurunagar in his honor) near Pune in Maharashtra.
- He was academically inclined and learned Sanskrit at a young age. He was deeply influenced by the tales of Hindu warriors and the struggle against British rule.
Involvement in the Freedom Struggle:
- Rajguru was deeply influenced by the revolutionary ideas of the time, particularly those of Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lokmanya Tilak.
- He was also inspired by the sacrifices of revolutionaries like Khudiram Bose.
- This led him to join the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA), a revolutionary organization committed to using armed struggle to overthrow British rule.
- He became a close associate of other prominent revolutionaries, including Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev.
- The trio, along with others, were involved in several revolutionary activities aimed at destabilizing the British government.
Assassination of John Saunders:
- The event that triggered Rajguru’s most famous act was the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who died after being injured by police lathi-charge against the Simon Commission in 1928.
- The lathi charge was ordered by Superintendent of Police James A. Scott.
- To avenge Lala Lajpat Rai’s death, the HSRA planned to assassinate James A. Scott.
- But, in a case of mistaken identity, Rajguru, along with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev, shot and killed John P. Saunders, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, on December 17, 1928, in Lahore.
- After the assassination, Rajguru, Bhagat Singh, and their associates managed to evade capture for several months. However, Rajguru was eventually arrested in Pune in 1929.
Trial and Execution:
- The British authorities charged Rajguru, Bhagat Singh, and Sukhdev with the murder of Saunders, among other charges.
- Despite a spirited defense by their lawyers and growing public support for their cause, the trio was sentenced to death.
- On March 23, 1931, Rajguru, along with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev, was hanged at the Lahore Central Jail.
- They were executed a day earlier than the scheduled date to avoid public unrest. The bodies were secretly cremated on the banks of the Sutlej River.
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Frequently Asked Question:
Who was Shivaram Hari Rajguru?
Shivaram Hari Rajguru (1908–1931) was a prominent Indian freedom fighter known for his role in the struggle against British colonial rule. He is best remembered for his involvement in the assassination of British police officer John Saunders in 1928.
When and where was Rajguru born?
Rajguru was born on August 24, 1908, in a small village called Khed, which has since been renamed Rajgurunagar in his honor, near Pune in Maharashtra, India.
What inspired Rajguru to join the freedom struggle?
Rajguru was inspired by the revolutionary ideas of leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Lokmanya Tilak, as well as the sacrifices of revolutionaries such as Khudiram Bose.
What was the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)?
The HSRA was a revolutionary organization committed to using armed struggle to overthrow British colonial rule in India. Rajguru joined the HSRA and became involved in several revolutionary activities alongside other key figures like Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev Thapar.