In India Marty’s Day is observed mainly twice a year. Firstly we remembered the sacrifice of Mahatma Gandhi on 30th January. And secondly, the sacrifices of India’s three extraordinary freedom fighters – Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev are remembered on 23rd March.
History of 23rd March :
The Simon Commission set up by the British government under the leadership of Sir John Simon to report on the political situation in India was met with protest when it visited Lahore on 30th October 1928. Political Indian Political parties were against this commission as it did not include a single Indian member.
Upon its arrival in Lahore, it faced protests with Lala Lajpat Rai leading non-violent marches. Frustrated by the protests superintendent of police James. A Scott ordered lathi charge on protesters personally assaulted Rai. Due to the assault, Rai suffered injuries and succumbed to it on 17th November 1928.
The killing of Rai infuriated Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru and the three decide to avenge the senior leader’s death by killing Scott. However, things did not go as per their plan and they shot Saunders by mistake while he was leaving the district police headquarters in Lahore on 17 December 1928.
As a punishment for killing Saunders, the hanging of the three freedom fighters was ordered.
So, on the occasion of 89th Saheed Diwas, Marty’s Day or Sarvooday Diwas we remember our freedom fighters who played an important role in providing Independence to our country. Everyone paid tribute to our freedom fighters by tweeting post. Here are some of them:
1. PM Modi tweeted that:
“On Saheed Diwas I bow down to the great sons of mother India, veer Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. The country will always be grateful for their sacrifice for the country. Jai Hind”
2. Rahul Gandhi also tweeted that:
Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru are not mere names, they are the spirit of revolutions running in our veins. Their lives make us strong even today and make us free humans. On Marty’s day, we bow our heads to our Bravehearts. We will continue to fight the Battle for their thoughts and ideas”.
