Unsung Heroes | History Corner | Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, Government of India

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Paying tribute to India’s freedom fighters

Bakshish Singh

Ludhiana, Punjab

August 08, 2022 to August 08, 2023

Many unsung ghadarites made supreme sacrifices during India's struggle for freedom. One such Ghadar Party member was Bakshish Singh of Khanpur village in Ludhiana. His father’s name was Deva Singh, a peasant of modest means. He was related to Nidhan Singh Chugga, Kanshi Ram, and Rehmat Ali’s group in the Malwa area of Punjab. After the return of ghadarites, the police administration was on high . Governor Michael O’Dwyer issued orders to arrest or shoot suspicious persons. During this time, Ghadarites decided to attack the Ferozepur Cantonment. On November 26, 1914, sixty Ghadar Party members gathered outside the Ferozepur Cantonment. However, Kartar Singh Sarabha informed them that British authorities had gotten wind of their plan and had disarmed the sympathetic soldiers. The plan was abandoned, and the ghadarites dispersed. On their way back to Moga, a police party in Ghal Kalan Village intercepted Bakshish Singh and other ghadarites. In the ensuing clash, Bisharat Ali, a police sub-inspector, and Jawala Singh, a Zaildar were killed. Villagers surrounded them. Meantime, more reinforcements came. Ghadarites ran towards the nearby reeds to hide. Police set on fire the entire area. Ghadarites were trapped in the reeds. They found themselves surrounded by a large number of policemen and village folk. Bakshish Singh and six other ghadarites were apprehended. On February 2, 1915, he was tried by Ferozepur Session Judge under sections 149, 302, 114, 307, 402, and 399. The court sentenced him to death in less than a month. On March 27, 1915, Bakshish Singh was hanged in the Central Jail Lahore. The British did not allow family members to meet him his last time. He was buried inside the jail or otherwise, it was never revealed to the family members.

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