Narendra Modi Should Not be Invited to Release Shahid Bhagat Singh’s Diary

COMMUNICATION

It has been reported in some newspapers today (September 20) that Narendra Modi has been invited to release Shahid Bhagat Singh’s diary in Delhi on September 29 (see Rashtriya Sahara, September 20). In my capacity both as convenor of the Shahid Bhagat Research Committee as well as a family member (Bhagat Singh’s nephew), I would like to state strongly that Narendra Modi should not be invited for this purpose.

In these difficult times it is very important to understand the writings and ideas of Shahid Bhagat Singh and his companions in the proper perspective. Anyone who attempts to do this will realise clearly that these revolutionaries were very firmly opposed to communalism and communal violence. It is equally clear that they were firmly opposed to all forms of exploitation, and most particularly to imperialism.

In the present context it is important that the literature of Shaheed Bhagat Singh should be released only by a person whose life is in confirmity with the values and principles for which Shaheed Bhagat Singh lived and died. Clearly Mr Modi does not qualify for this role.

Finally it needs to be pointed out that as this diary is already a public document, the need for its release does not arise and the entire exercise appears to be guided by some narrow selfish motive.

20.9.2013

Jagmohan Singh (Professor)
Shaheed Bhagat Singh Research Committee
2409, Krishna Nagar, Ludhiana
E-mail : jagmohan08@gmail.com