Sohan Singh Bhakna – The Revolutionary Who Shook British Rule in India

Introduction

At first glance, the image of a 95-year-old, gentle, stooped man might evoke feelings of warmth and wisdom. However, this grandfatherly figure was one of the most feared revolutionaries in British India. Sohan Singh Bhakna, a relentless freedom fighter, played a pivotal role in challenging British rule, becoming a symbol of resistance through his leadership in the Ghadr Party.

Early Life and the Journey to North America

Sohan Singh Bhakna became actively involved in the nationalist movement at a young age. However, his journey took him far from India when he joined a pioneering group of Punjabis who migrated to the Pacific Northwest in the early 1900s. Working in lumber mills, Bhakna faced rampant racism and discrimination in the U.S. against “Hindoo” laborers. This experience galvanized him and sparked his passion for revolution.

Founding the Ghadr Party: A Call to Arms

In North America, Bhakna and a group of fellow Indian immigrants formed the Ghadr Party. This revolutionary group sought nothing less than the complete overthrow of British rule in India through armed revolt. Unlike the Congress-led independence movement, which they viewed as too soft, the Ghadrs were determined to incite Indian soldiers to take up arms against their colonial masters.

Opposition to British War Recruitment in World War I

During World War I, while many Indian leaders and organizations, including Mahatma Gandhi, supported British recruitment efforts, the Ghadr Party stood in staunch opposition. They saw this as an opportunity to push for an armed revolution. Their strategies included smuggling arms to Indian soldiers, forging alliances with the German Embassy, and spreading revolutionary messages through pamphlets.

Arrest and Imprisonment in the Andaman Islands

In 1914, as Bhakna attempted to re-enter India to further the cause, the British arrested him on charges of conspiracy. He was sentenced to death, a sentence later reduced to life imprisonment. He spent 16 years in near solitary confinement on the remote Andaman Islands, 1000 km off India’s shores, and led hunger strikes to improve prison conditions and fight for religious and political rights for Sikh and lower-caste prisoners.

Continued Activism and Hunger Strikes

Even in captivity, Bhakna’s resolve never wavered. He played an instrumental role in leading hunger strikes, including one to support Bhagat Singh and other freedom fighters. Upon his release in 1930, after 16 years of imprisonment, he continued his fight for India’s freedom and the rights of marginalized groups.

Post-Independence Political Activism

Though he was 70 years old by the start of World War II, Bhakna remained a formidable force. The British Indian government, fearing his revolutionary potential, imprisoned him again for three years. After India gained independence, he continued his activism, contributing significantly to early Indian politics, particularly in support of communism.

Legacy of a Revolutionary

Sohan Singh Bhakna’s life came to an end in 1968, but his legacy lives on. His fearlessness, unyielding dedication to India’s freedom, and efforts to uplift marginalized voices have left an indelible mark on Indian history. His story reminds us of the power of resilience and the strength of the human spirit in the face of oppression.