Sukhdev birth anniversary: Amit Shah leads tributes to freedom fighter
Synopsis
On Sukhdev Thapar's birth anniversary, Home Minister Amit Shah, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari posted tributes on X to the HSRA revolutionary executed alongside Bhagat Singh and Rajguru in 1931 — a reminder that India's political mainstream continues to invoke the armed freedom struggle as a touchstone of national identity.
Key Takeaways
Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Sukhdev Thapar on his birth anniversary, 15 May , via a post on X.
Sukhdev Thapar was born on 15 May 1907 and was a key strategist of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) .
He was executed alongside Bhagat Singh and Shivaram Rajguru at Lahore Jail on 23 March 1931 .
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also posted tributes on X.
India observes Shaheed Diwas on 23 March each year to honour the three martyrs.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday, 15 May paid tribute to revolutionary freedom fighter Sukhdev Thapar on his birth anniversary, honouring his role in India's armed struggle against British colonial rule. Shah's remarks were part of a wider wave of remembrance from senior political leaders across the country.
What Amit Shah Said
Posting on X, Shah wrote: 'On the birth anniversary of the immortal revolutionary Sukhdev Ji, I offer countless salutations to him. Sukhdev Ji, the symbol of indomitable courage, patriotism, and sacrifice, dedicated his entire life to the cause of the motherland's freedom, making independence the goal of his life.'
Shah added: 'In avenging the death of Lala Lajpat Rai Ji, he played a pivotal role alongside Bhagat Singh and Rajguru. His supreme sacrifice will forever inspire patriots to serve the nation and devote themselves to the motherland.'
Other Leaders Pay Homage
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also posted on X, calling Sukhdev 'the brave son of Mother India' and offering his 'humble salutations.' Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath similarly paid homage, writing on X: 'On the birth anniversary of the immortal revolutionary Sukhdev, who dedicated his all to safeguarding the freedom and glory of the motherland, humble tribute. His life of sacrifice and unwavering patriotism will continue to inspire every citizen to steadfastly tread the path of duty in protecting the identity and glory of Mother India.'
Who Was Sukhdev Thapar
Born on 15 May 1907, Sukhdev Thapar is among the most revered figures of India's independence movement. He was a key strategist of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) and worked in close coordination with Bhagat Singh and Shivaram Rajguru.
The trio became iconic figures in the resistance against British rule, particularly in the aftermath of the death of nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai. Their revolutionary activities galvanised public sentiment and drew thousands into the freedom struggle.
Martyrdom and Legacy
On 23 March 1931, British authorities executed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev at Lahore Jail. Their martyrdom became a defining moment in India's independence movement and transformed the three into enduring national symbols.
India observes Shaheed Diwas every year on 23 March to honour their sacrifices. The commemoration continues to serve as a reminder of the cost at which independence was won, and the legacy of the trio remains central to India's national memory.
Point of View
Bhagat Singh, and Rajguru from ruling-party leaders reflects a deliberate political reclamation of the revolutionary freedom movement — figures who were, in their time, socialists and anti-establishment rebels. What is rarely examined is the tension between invoking their legacy and the policy directions of those invoking it. Sukhdev and his HSRA comrades were explicit in their anti-imperialism and economic radicalism; reducing them to symbols of 'patriotism and sacrifice' strips out that ideological content. Mainstream coverage seldom surfaces this contradiction, treating the tributes as routine commemorative ritual rather than an act of political framing.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sukhdev Thapar?
Sukhdev Thapar was a revolutionary freedom fighter born on 15 May 1907, and a key strategist of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA). He worked closely with Bhagat Singh and Shivaram Rajguru and was executed by British authorities at Lahore Jail on 23 March 1931.
Why is 15 May significant for Sukhdev Thapar?
15 May is Sukhdev Thapar's birth anniversary. He was born on this date in 1907, and political leaders across India mark the occasion with tributes honouring his role in the armed resistance against British colonial rule.
What is Shaheed Diwas and when is it observed?
Shaheed Diwas is observed every year on 23 March to honour the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, who were executed on that date in 1931. The day is a national commemoration of their sacrifice in India's freedom struggle.
What was the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA)?
The HSRA was a revolutionary organisation that led armed resistance against British colonial rule in India. Sukhdev Thapar was one of its key strategists, working alongside Bhagat Singh and Rajguru to mobilise opposition to British authority, particularly after the death of Lala Lajpat Rai.
Which leaders paid tribute to Sukhdev Thapar on his birth anniversary in 2025?
Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath all posted tributes on X on 15 May 2025, marking Sukhdev Thapar's birth anniversary.
