The Hindu deserves to be lauded for publishing an article on Bhagat Singh and carrying photographs and letters written by him to the British authorities (Aug. 15). Besides providing a rare insight into the revolutionary's intense struggle for a just trial, the letters show how flawless his English is. Such an amazing command over the language at 21-plus, that too when English was still evolving in India and its teaching was confined to the elite class!
G. Rajsekhar,
Visakhapatnam
The letters were awe-inspiring. They point to Bhagat Singh's legal acumen. His vocabulary is simply astounding. He will always be revered as the great patriot who risked his life for the one cause he held passionately to his heart — freedom of his country. He will continue to inspire the youth.
A.M. Syed Nawaz Hussain,
Chennai
That Bhagat Singh undertook a hunger strike many times in jail although he knew his action would result in brutal suppression shows his strength of character. A big salute to Bhagat Singh!
P. Razia Sultana,
Guntur
Bhagat Singh's prodigious knowledge of and command over English and legal terminology at the age of 21 are amazing. That he went on a hunger strike for almost five months during his two-year incarceration points to his unflinching commitment and determination. A much-valued feature that needs to be read by all, particularly the youth.
M.S. Mallik Reddy,
Nellore
Thanks to The Hindu for publishing the collection of letters. I was amazed to see Bhagat Singh's command over English and his beautiful handwriting. A true tribute indeed to our forgotten hero by the national newspaper!
Aditya Pandey,
Ghaziabad
I wish to thank and congratulate The Hindu on publishing the precious letters. They are a valuable national wealth and great source of inspiration for the youth. I was very pleased to read them on Independence Day as they ignited a fresh fire of patriotism in me.
Manish Kumar Srivastava,
New Delhi
The publication of the archival material comprising Bhagat Singh's letters has partly undone the injustice by historians who have largely ignored the role of revolutionaries in the freedom struggle. On reading his letters, I was overcome by anger at the colonial brutality and the national amnesia over the supreme sacrifice of our martyrs. People are talking about awarding Bharat Ratna to cricketers. Why not the honour to Bhagat Singh posthumously?
V.N. Mukundarajan,
Thiruvanathapuram
The tribute to Bhagat Singh, who made the ultimate sacrifice for India's independence, was excellent and thought-provoking. The stark reality that the British were bent on sending him to the gallows by denying him a fair trial is clear. While reading the letters, many would have been moved to tears. We salute Bhagat Singh, the great warrior. The feature was not only a fitting tribute to the revolutionary but also a vivid narration and dissemination of a mélange of information on the freedom struggle.
R. Sampath,
Chennai
As is my wont, I turned to the edit page to read the letters to the editor on Monday. I was surprised and thrilled when I saw the column carrying the photograph of Bhagat Singh and B.K. Dutt, and the letter in Bhagat Singh's own handwriting showing his amazing command over English, and his knowledge of legal terminology. I thank The Hindu for the exquisite Independence Day gift — a letter written by the greatest revolutionary of our times.
Col. C.V. Venugopalan (retd.),
Palakkad
The Hindu has done a signal service the people by publishing the rare collection of letters of one of the greatest freedom fighters. Many of us have had no occasion to know about the trials and travails of Bhagat Singh. His pleas to allow him to defend himself are heart-rending. The letters prove that we won our precious freedom through the blood, toil, and tears of hundreds of patriots. It certainly cannot be trifled with.
K. Panchapagesan,
Chennai
The supreme sacrifice made by Bhagat Singh and others at a tender age for the liberation of their motherland cannot be described in words. The article, photos and letters, while rekindling the revolutionary fervour, provoked one to think whether the heroic contributions by the illustrious sons and daughters of India are ever remembered and respected by those in power.
S.V. Venugopalan,
Chennai