A few days ago, Ghulam Nabi Azad's rendition of the song "Pagari Sambhal Jattan, Pagari Sambhal Uye" was played in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi within the Parliament of India. This is a testament to the fact that we have already passed this turning point before in history. This anthem was sang by no other than sardar Ajit Singh Ji (uncle of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ji) in 1906-7, to warn the farmers against the anti-farmer laws introduced by the then British government. According to Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad ji, the British had to repeal their anti-peasant laws as these words became such a powerful movement to unite the people; this slogan also gave rise to many other freedom movements in India. Only time will tell whether the present BJP government or the Prime Minister in Parliament - Mr Narendra Modi, took notice of this. Sardar Ajit Singh Ji had to pay a heavy price for the agitation of this "Turban Care Jatts" movement. His sacrifice for India's independence is a long story in itself. He had to spend 38 years of his life in exile in various countries outside of India. He was first imprisoned with Lala Lajpat Rai in the Rangoon (Burma) Jail. After living in Iran under the name Mirza Hussain Khan then travelling to Brazil and America, he lived in many countries of the World in association with the "Gadhar Party" movement before moving to Europe. This action was amongst many other limited means to fight for India's independence.
He helped Shubhash Chandra Bose to negotiate with German Chancellor Hitler for India's independence as Hitler had waged war against Britain at the time. However, they withdrew from it after finding out about Hitler’s anti-Jewish policies and the genocide of Jewish people. He escaped to Italy, where he mobilized justice-loving locals against Hitler's ally Mussolini, in exchange for which he spent time in several European prisons. Nevertheless, he succeeded in recruiting British Indian soldiers who were held as prisoners of war, inspiring them and establishing an "Azad Hind foj” (Independent Indian Army).
While living in England, he maintained a cordial relationship with the Bhat Sikh community, as well as the rest of the Indian community. They helped to raise the funds for his return to India at the behest of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Although he lived to see India achieve independence from the British, the partition of India had a profound effect on his mind as his native village remained in Pakistan. He passed away on 15 August 1947 in Dalhoji Punjab India. He was the first Indian to die in independent India. His entire family has been at the forefront of the freedom struggle, but perhaps due to the supreme martyrdom of Shaheed Bhagat Singh at a very young age, ordinary Indians or Pakistanis are unaware of the sacrifices made by Sardar Ajit Singh Ji.
Today, 114 years later, by the Government of Independent India bringing out these “Anti-farmer laws”, we are once again reminded of our past sacrifices made for the independence of India. The Indian government should listen to the voices of ordinary people/farmers and not pass on their rights in the hands of a few mega rich industrial families.
Gurdwara Bhat Sikh Council UK pays homage to Sardar Ajit Singh Ji’s sacrifices for our Independence.
We salute his sacrifice.
Jasbir Singh Bhakar Peterborough UK
