Bhagat Singh was born on 27 September 1907 in Banga, Lyallpur District, Punjab. He was being recognized as a significant revolutionary, thinker, and gifted author.
Originating from a Punjabi family deeply engaged in national movements, he was notably influenced by the political activism exhibited by his father and uncle, particularly their participation in pivotal events such as the Indian national movement. He acquired his education from the National College in Lahore significantly enhanced his nationalist ideologies. Following his arrest in 1927, Singh’s activism underwent a significant solidification, reinforcing his determination to challenge the colonialism. He emerged as a prolific author, making significant contributions to various Urdu and Punjabi newspapers and producing pamphlets in which he articulated socio-economic ideas aimed at establishing an egalitarian society and dismantling colonial capitalism. Singh’s legacy as a thinker and author, along with his fervent advocacy for liberty, equality, and social justice, has been remained relevant even the contemporary times, reinforcing his position as a significant emblem of resistance against socio-economic inequalities, which are perceived as substantial obstacles to sustainability.
Bhagat Singh’s influence as a philosopher extends beyond the confines of his revolutionary concepts. His extensive comprehension of socio-economic challenges, commitment to protection and promotion human rights, and promotion of education and solidarity establish him as a significant figure in the modern discourses and narratives for justice and equity. Analysing his writings and philosophical contributions serves to both commemorate his legacy and provide essential insights for tackling contemporary challenges associated with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conceptualization of a world devoid of exploitation and inequality has been persisting in serving as a source of inspiration and a catalyst for movements committed to the establishment of a more just and equitable future for all individuals worldwide. Consequently, Bhagat Singh is recognized not merely as one of the revolutionary personalities but also as a persistent emblem of intellectual involvement in the quest for a egalitarianism, inclusive, equitable and sustainable world.
Bhagat Singh Social Ideas and Social Determinants
The concept of Social Determinants can be defined as the social and economic conditions that impact the capacity of individuals and communities to attain and derive advantages from the SDGs. The social determinants associated with the Sustainable Development Goals encompass various critical aspects, including the alleviation of poverty, the eradication of hunger, the enhancement of educational opportunities, the advancement of healthcare and social protection systems, the promotion of social inclusion and equity, the advocacy for gender equality, among other fundamental factors (Bose et al., 2024). The social determinants significantly influence outcomes related to socio-economic parameters aligned with the conceptualization and realization of SDGs, as they represent the underlying systematic factors that facilitate or obstruct advancements in sustainable development.
Bhagat Singh’s socio-economic concepts, expressed in his essays, provide a substantial framework for comprehending the tenets of a fair and equitable society. At the core of his philosophy lies the concept of “Vasudev Kutumbakam,” which translates to “the world is one family.” This concept embodies his aspiration for a global society where all individuals are regarded as equals, irrespective of race, nationality, or social class. Singh rigorously critiques superficial assertions of universal love, contending that true love and brotherhood can only be achieved through deliberate actions to dismantle the systemic frameworks that sustain inequality.
In his essay “Vishwa Prem,” Singh underscores the imperative of sacrifice as an essential element in the pursuit of justice. He contends that individuals must be prepared to confront challenges to dismantle oppressive systems and promote empowerment within marginalized communities. Education is pivotal in this transformation, as it fosters awareness of socio-economic inequalities and human rights. Singh posits that educated people are more capable of confronting oppressive systems, fostering a society where individuals can flourish without the fear of slavery and subjugation.
Singh also tackles the pressing issues of hunger and poverty, asserting that no individual should suffer from deprivation. He associates hunger with social justice, contending that a society permitting hunger to endure cannot exemplify the tenets of universal love. His vision promotes a holistic strategy to eradicate hunger, emphasizing the shared responsibility to assist marginalized communities. He advocates for a thorough reassessment of economic systems to promote equity, ensuring that trade and wealth contribute to collective well-being instead of inciting conflict.
In “Yuvak,” Singh articulates the essential function of youth as agents of societal change. He implores youth to accept their obligations and proactively engage in the quest for equality and justice. Through the analysis of historical examples, he underscores the ability of youth to challenge oppression and influence the future. In “Students and Politics,” Singh advocates for student engagement in political affairs while criticizing the education system for its deficiencies in equipping students for future leadership positions. He promotes a curriculum aimed at fostering political awareness and critical thinking skills, urging students to overcome apathy and actively participate in the pursuit of justice.
In “New Leaders and their Different Ideas,” Singh contrasts the political ideologies of Subhas Chandra Bose and Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting the necessity of youth participation in the freedom movement. He advocates for an educational framework that cultivates critical awareness and emotional intelligence, encouraging youth to acknowledge their responsibilities in shaping the nation’s future.
The “Manifesto of Naujawan Bharat Sabha” constitutes a pivotal appeal for youth engagement in the quest for independence. Singh critiques British colonial administration and advocates for revolutionary actions based on sacrifice and collective solidarity. He urges the youth of India to eschew apathy and superstition, advocating for accountability in shaping their futures and fostering collaboration for national liberation.
Singh’s vision corresponds with current global initiatives, particularly the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which aims to guarantee universal access to fundamental services such as education, healthcare, and justice. His emphasis on human dignity and the eradication of systemic divisions aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals’ aims of fostering peace, equity, and comprehensive well-being for all individuals.
Singh articulates a vision for a society devoid of poverty, inequality, and exploitation through his writings. He underscores the empowerment of the marginalized, urging society to provide education, nourishment, and optimism to those in need. His revolutionary concepts emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts and personal sacrifice in the quest for social justice.
Singh’s philosophy emphasizes the persistent challenges faced in the pursuit of socio-economic justice. He promotes active participation in fostering a more just world that embodies dignity and hope for all societal members. His conception of universal love and fraternity is based on the premise that authentic progress necessitates not only aspirations for an improved future but also concrete actions to realize it.
In conclusion, Bhagat Singh’s socio-economic concepts necessitate a significant overhaul of societal frameworks, highlighting the critical importance of bravery, collective effort, and steadfast dedication to justice. His writings depict a cohesive society based on solidarity and mutual respect, urging individuals to challenge oppressive systems and aspire to a future where all can exist with dignity and hope. Singh’s legacy, marked by his persuasive rhetoric and unwavering commitment to social equity, continues to motivate initiatives targeting the socio-economic challenges confronting marginalized communities today.
Bhagat Singh’s Ideas are Foundations of SDGs
Bhagat Singh’s socio-economic concepts can provide foundational principles for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by highlighting equality, justice, and collective actions. His notion of “Vasudev Kutumbakam,” which promotes global unity and equality, corresponds with the Sustainable Development Goals’ objective to eliminate poverty and enhance social inclusion. Singh’s emphasis on education as a means of empowerment cultivates awareness of socio-economic inequalities, empowering individuals to confront oppressive systems and promote sustainable development.
Furthermore, his appeal to eradicate hunger and poverty underscores the interrelation of social justice and economic equity, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals’ aim of guaranteeing food security and well-being for all. Singh’s emphasis on youth engagement highlights the significance of active involvement in societal change, urging the younger generation to assume responsibility for shaping their futures and addressing systemic injustices. Singh’s vision for a society devoid of exploitation and inequality can motivate holistic strategies to attain the SDGs, promoting a culture of solidarity, mutual respect, and persistent endeavors toward a more just and equitable world for everyone.
Alignment With 2030 Agenda
Ultimately, the 2030 Agenda promotes an integrated approach to sustainable development, recognizing social determinants such as social divisions, poverty and inequalities are intrinsically linked to establish in egalitarianism and socio-economic sustainability. The 2030 Agenda is fundamentally anchored in the objectives and principles of the United Nations Charter, emphasizing full adherence to international laws. It draws from key human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, various international human rights treaties, the Millennium Declaration, and the 2005 World Summit. These documents collectively provide a comprehensive framework that determine the developmental agenda’s objectives, including the Declaration on the Right to Development, which underscores the significance of equitable and sustainable development.
The reaffirmation of outcomes from major UN Conferences and Summits, such as the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development (1992), the Beijing Platform for Action (1995), and the World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002), demonstrates the continuity of thought in sustainable development efforts. These conferences have set essential precedents and established a solid groundwork for the 2030 Agenda, ensuring that lessons learned and commitments made in those forums are integrated into the 2030 Agenda.
Concomitantly, central to these discussions is the acknowledgment of the interrelated nature of the challenges facing by the entire humanity. Issues like poverty eradication, inequalities, environmental preservation, and sustainable economic growth are not isolated; rather, they are interconnected and require holistic solutions. The principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities,” highlighted in the Rio Declaration, recognizes that while all nations share the responsibility for sustainable development, their capacities and contributions will differ based on their economic status and historical context.
Bhagat Singh’s vision encompasses a multifaceted approach to social justice, equality, and systemic reform, aligning closely with various SDGs. His critiques of socio-economic inequality, hunger, education, gender equality, youth participation, egalitarianism, and world peace reflect a revolutionary ideology aimed at transforming society. Singh’s writings, particularly articulate a profound critique of poverty and hunger, emphasizing the need for systemic change to eradicate these issues. In this, he addressed the root causes of economic disparity, aligning with Target 1.1, which seeks to eradicate extreme poverty. Furthermore, his critique of hunger in “Manifesto of Naujawan Bharat Sabha” emphasizes the need for systemic change to ensure to remove shortcomings in the Indian society, advocating for unity, sacrifice, and the establishment of a new social and political framework. Singh’s focus on equitable resource distribution resonates with Target 1.2, aiming to reduce the percentage of people living below the poverty line.
In “Students and Politics” (1928), Singh emphasized education as a crucial determinant for societal development. He argues for an education that fosters critical thinking and civic responsibility, aligning with SDG 4’s aim for inclusive and equitable quality education. Singh’s vision encourages political awareness and active citizenship, promoting lifelong learning and global citizenship, which aligns with SDG 4.7. He believed that education should empower youth to engage in nation-building, reflecting the goal of promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Singh’s revolutionary vision supports gender equality and the empowerment of women, aligning with SDG 5. His critique of colonialism and capitalism extends to questioning gender-based discrimination, advocating for a classless society with equal rights for all. Although his writings do not explicitly focus on gender issues, his broader vision of empowerment and social reform indirectly supports women’s empowerment as a key component of social progress.
In his essay “Youth” (1925), he describes the inherent power of youth to drive societal change, urging them to take responsibility for uplifting the downtrodden. His call for rational thinking and personal sacrifice aligns with SDG 8’s promotion of sustained economic growth and decent work. Singh’s vision of youth-driven activism also connects with SDGs, advocating for strong institutions and justice.
Singh’s commitment to challenging social hierarchies and advocating for social justice aligns with SDG 10’s goal of reducing inequalities. His essays, such as “Vishwa Prem” (1924) calls for radical transformation to ensure equitable resource distribution. Singh’s critique of superficial social reforms and his emphasis on the plight of the working class reflect his vision for the inclusion of marginalized groups in societal reforms. His advocacy for collective action among the oppressed underscores the importance of social equity.
Singh’s vision of world fraternity and peace is deeply rooted in his anarchist ideals, advocating for the abolition of oppressive structures. His concept of Vasudev Kutumbakam emphasizes global unity and harmony, aligning with SDG 16’s focus on justice and strong institutions (Moffat, 2016; Nair, 2009). Singh’s critique of British imperialism and his call for a society free from oppression resonate with SDG 16’s objectives to reduce violence and promote inclusivity.
Relevance of Legacy
The legacy of Bhagat Singh offers profound relevance in addressing socio-economic challenges in achieving the SDGs. His vision of social justice and equality resonates with the need to eradicate poverty, hunger, and exploitation, emphasizing the empowerment of the marginalized. His revolutionary spirit urges societal transformation through collective action and resistance to injustice, which is crucial in tackling economic inequality and ensuring food security. Bhagat Singh’s ideas advocate for systemic reforms and inclusive growth, providing a valuable framework to drive policy changes, promote equitable resource distribution, and foster social cohesion necessary for sustainable development. By emphasizing the need for collective struggle and empowerment, his legacy continues to inspire movements aimed at achieving the 2030 Agenda’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
Bhagat Singh’s vision emphasizes social justice, equality, and collective action, closely aligning with the for 2030 Development Agenda. He championed the elimination of poverty and inequality, underscoring the importance of education, gender equality, and the deconstruction of social hierarchies. Singh criticized imperialism and capitalism, advocating for systemic reforms that guarantee equitable resource distribution and uphold human dignity. His emphasis on youth empowerment and active citizenship highlights the significance of collective action and robust institutions. Singh’s legacy perpetuates motivation for a just and sustainable future.
About the authors:
- Prof. Bawa Singh, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda India.
- Diksha Kanwat, Ph.D. Scholar, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda India.