Sukhdev Thapar Biography: Early Life, Role in Indian Independence and Legacy

Sukhdev Thapar was a brave Indian freedom fighter who gave his life for the country’s independence. He worked with Bhagat Singh and Rajguru to fight against British rule. Sukhdev was a member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association and played an important role in many revolutionary activities. He was hanged by the British on 23 March 1931 and is remembered as a national hero of India.

Early Life of Sukhdev Thapar

Sukhdev was born on 15 May 1907 in the Naughara area of Old Ludhiana, Punjab, which was then part of British India. His parents were Ramlal Thapar and Ralli Devi. Sadly, his father passed away when he was young. After that, his uncle Lala Achintram raised him. Sukhdev belonged to a Hindu Punjabi Khatri family.

Revolutionary Activities of Sukhdev

Sukhdev was very active in the freedom struggle. He joined two important revolutionary groups – Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and the Naujawan Bharat Sabha. These groups wanted to free India from British rule through revolutionary action.

He helped start many freedom activities in Punjab and other parts of northern India. He was also the leader of the HSRA in Punjab. He took part in many important events, including a hunger strike in jail in 1929.

Role in Saunders’ Assassination

Sukhdev was closely linked with the famous event of the killing of British police officer J.R. Saunders. This was done by Bhagat Singh and Rajguru on 17 December 1928. The killing was to take revenge for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai, who was injured during a protest and later died.

Lahore Conspiracy Case

Sukhdev was the main accused in the Lahore Conspiracy Case of 1929. The police report called it ”Crown versus Sukhdev and others.” The British charged him for helping in the planning of the Central Assembly bomb blast in Delhi  on 8 April 1929. He and his companions were arrested, found guilty and sentenced to death.

Execution and Secret Cremation

Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh and Rajguru were hanged in Lahore Central Jail on 23 March 1931. After their execution, the British secretly burned their bodies near the Sutlej River to avoid public anger.

Reactions to the Hanging

The news of the hanging shocked the whole country. People were angry and sad. The executions happened on the same day as the Indian National Congress meeting in Karachi. Protests took place in many cities. Even Dr. B.R. Ambedkar criticized the British for this cruel decision. He believed it was done to satisfy the British public and Parliament.

Legacy and Tributes to Sukhdev Thapar

Sukhdev is remembered as a great hero of India.

• The National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala was built where the three revolutionaries were cremated. Every year, Shaheed Diwas is observed on 23 March to honor them.
• The Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies in Delhi was started in 1987 in his memory.
• The main bus stand in Ludhiana is named Amar Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar Inter-State bus Terminal.