As India prepares to celebrate the 77th anniversary of its independence on August 15, both government and non-government organisations are planning grand festivities. This freedom, we know, did not come easily; it was won through the sacrifices of countless revolutionaries. Among these heroes is one who took justice into his own hands, delivering retribution to the chief perpetrator of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in his own country. On the 84th death anniversary of Udham Singh, let us revisit his tale of indomitable courage and some intriguing facts about his life.
Early Life and Education
Udham Singh was born on December 26, 1899, into a Kamboj Sikh family and was originally named Sher Singh. Tragically, he lost his parents (Tehal Singh and Narayan Kaur) at a very young age, which forced Sher Singh and his elder brother, Mukta Singh, to seek refuge in the Central Khalsa Orphanage in Amritsar. It was in this orphanage that the brothers underwent Sikh initiation rites, and Sher Singh was renamed Udham Singh. This change of name also marked the beginning of a transformation in his personality, as he vowed to free India from British rule.
The Pledge of a 20-Year-Old
On April 13, 1919, a peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh near the Golden Temple in Punjab was convened to protest against the repressive Rowlatt Act imposed by the British government. The gathering coincided with the festival of Baisakhi, and many women and children were present. Without warning, British officer General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the unarmed crowd. The main exit was blocked, and no one could escape. The massacre resulted in the deaths of 388 people and left over 1,200 injured. The horrific scene moved the 20-year-old Udham Singh to tears, and he vowed to avenge the massacre by punishing General Dyer himself.
Achieving His Goal
Determined to fulfill his pledge, Udham Singh tracked Dyer’s movements closely. After retiring, Dyer moved to London, and in 1934, Udham Singh followed him there. He took up residence at 9 Alder Street, Commercial Road, and kept a close watch on Dyer’s activities. On March 13, 1940, he learned that Dyer would be attending a meeting of the East India Association and the Central Asian Society at Caxton Hall in London. Hiding a revolver inside a book, Udham Singh attended the meeting. As Dyer approached the microphone to speak, Udham Singh sprang into action, firing two shots into Dyer’s chest, killing him instantly.
Martyrdom
Having fulfilled his mission, Udham Singh willingly surrendered to the police. He was tried and found guilty of murder on June 4, 1940. On July 31, 1940, Udham Singh was hanged at Pentonville Prison in London.
- Interesting Facts about Udham Singh
After shooting General Dyer, Udham Singh surrendered and was taken to Brixton Prison by British police. - During his trial, he used the name “Ram Mohammad Singh Azad,” symbolizing the unity of India’s three major religions.
- In honour of his sacrifice, the government of Uttarakhand named a district Udham Singh Nagar.
- The weapons and items used by Udham Singh to kill Dyer, including a knife, bullets, and his diary, are preserved in Scotland Yard’s Black Museum.
- While awaiting trial, Udham Singh went on a hunger strike for 42 days. On the 43rd day, he was forcibly fed by the British authorities.
As we commemorate Udham Singh’s martyrdom on his 84th death anniversary, it is essential to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for India’s freedom. His act of retribution was not just an act of personal vengeance but a statement against the oppressive British rule and a step towards India’s eventual independence.
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