“Any man who stands for progress has to criticise, disbelieve, and challenge every item of the old faith.”

–Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh, born on this day in 1907, has proven to be an intriguing and much debated individual. Arguably an anarchist at heart, Singh became an instrument of political awareness and change. After assassinating John Saunders, a British police officer, and throwing non-deadly bombs inside the Central Legislative Assembly, he offered himself for arrest. While in jail, he undertook a hunger-strike regarding the treatment of prisoners. He was ultimately hanged at the age of 23.

Today, Singh’s idiosyncrasy provides for a tremendous dilemma; the place far violent revolution among political agitation. The violent and dramatic mannerisms of Singh and his comrades gave birth to a politically-charged Indian youth who continued their struggle for independence. His hunger-strike was applauded by politicians such as Jinnah and Nehru.

What if we had a Bhagat Singh in contemporary times; an anarchist youth, a violent revolutionary. Would he initiate a glorified legacy, or be termed as a terrorist? Would he become an agent of political change, or be casually eradicated for opposing the system? Would his ideas resonate with the youth, or would he be branded a madman?