As a staunch Saivist, my encounter with Sardar Bhagat Singh's essay titled "Why I am an Atheist?" proved to be an intriguing exploration.
The circumstances surrounding the creation of this thought-provoking piece are remarkable, as it was penned in Lahore Jail a mere few days before his death sentence was confirmed, eventually leading to his execution 165 days later. However, upon delving into his essay and contemplating his indomitable determination and relentless curiosity, one cannot help but wonder if his path may have taken a different turn had he been granted more time to explore Indian philosophy.
Bhagat Singh becomes an Atheist: A Hasty Conclusion or a Youthful Quest:
""Study" was the cry that reverberated in the corridors of my mind. Study to enable yourself with arguments in favour of your cult. I began to study." - Bhagat Singh
At the tender age of 22, Bhagat Singh penned the profound words that would later define his identity as an atheist. However, given his fervent dedication to the cause of our nation's freedom throughout his entire youth, it is worth questioning whether his atheistic adoption was a hasty conclusion.
"As there were no important activities in the field of action I got ample opportunity to study various ideals of the world revolution. I studied Bakunin, the anarchist leader, something of Marx, the father of communism, and much of Lenin, Trotsky and others-the men who had successfully carried out a revolution in their country. They were all atheists." - Bhagat Singh
The notion of "You are what you read" holds true in Bhagat Singh's case. He immersed himself in the ideas of influential revolutionaries, all of whom happened to be atheists, as he himself stated. However, I firmly believe that if Bhagat Singh had been afforded sufficient time to further explore, experience, and contemplate, his atheistic stance may have evolved. It is not solely reading that would lead one to believe in God; that is not the point I am trying to convey. Yet, for an individual as inquisitive, fascinated, and intellectually curious as Bhagat Singh, engaging with the right philosophical works could have played a crucial role in shaping his perspectives and decisions.
Furthermore, Bhagat Singh found himself coerced and compelled to engage in acts of 'belief' and 'prayer' on numerous occasions, despite having declared himself an atheist. It is crucial to recognize that belief in God cannot be enforced upon an individual, nor should it be.
In fact, if there exists a higher power, its foundation lies not in blind faith or dogma that revolves solely around God, but rather in more human-centric values such as empathy, love, and kindness.
While Bhagat Singh evidently dedicated a significant amount of time to studying during his term, unfortunately, he did not delve into the subjects that could have provided him with the necessary knowledge to reshape his perspective on God, aligning it with his principles of realism and reason.
Beyond Eloquence: The Quest for Clarity of Thought:
Bhagat Singh's eloquence and mastery of language are undeniable, reminiscent of the celebrated rhetoricians of bygone eras. Yet, within the chambers of our intellect, we must distinguish between the artistry of expression and the profound clarity of thought. While his unyielding determination and razor-sharp intellect are evident, we may question whether his ideas truly attained the heights of absolute lucidity.
His essay, filled with questions often pondered by atheists, compels us to reconsider whether it signifies an epitome of clarity. In doing so, we confront a profound paradox: if we bestow upon this essay the mantle of clarity, are we inadvertently casting shadows upon the wisdom of saints and sages, who, in their enlightened pursuits, have graced our lands? Sardar Bhagat Singh, in this letter, puts forth inquiries that transcend mere verbal responses, delving deeper into realms where answers manifest in profound ways, not mere words or instant explanations could satiate.
Revolutionaries deserve celebration and recognition for their selflessness, no doubt; but they should not be mistaken as philosophers. The realm of revolution hones ones determination and actions, not their clarity of thought. Philosophy, God, and Enlightenment reside in a distinct realm of personal exploration, where experiences hold greater significance than mere knowledge.
The Unanswered Queries:
Had fate dealt a different hand, Bhagat Singh might have been granted the opportunity to witness the unraveling of the answers to the questions he so fervently raised in his essay. The passage of time and a continued pursuit of knowledge might have illuminated the path for him, offering insights that could have steered his philosophical journey towards a different destination. Unfortunately, that's only a matter of our imagination now.
Now, let me clarify that I am not suggesting that a longer life would have inevitably led Bhagat Singh to embrace theism. After all, there have been atheists who remained steadfast in their disbelief until their last breath, even in old age. In my humble opinion,
Atheism is a necessary (sometimes, unavoidable) detour that every sincere seeker must embark upon in their personal journey. Often times, determination is misconstrued as stubbornness, but a true seeker keeps the doors of their mind open, ready to embrace the right reasoning when it presents itself.
Bhagat Singh's Atheistic Legacy and V.O.C's Overlooked Theistic Contributions
Bhagat Singh's this particular letter was quickly translated and circulated by atheists association in South India, led by E.V.R Periyar. It was widely celebrated as an epitome of atheistic arguments to this day. Due to his status as a freedom fighter, a great revolutionary, and a vibrant youth icon, his adoption of atheism became a viral piece of content for atheists, transcending time.
However, Tamil Nadu failed to acknowledge V.O. Chidambaram Pillai, another freedom fighter, rebellious entrepreneur, and icon, for his philosophical works as a theist.His works, such as "Mei Aram, Mei Arivu" (1915), were penned during his term in Kannanoor Prison and served as teachings on life, self-discovery, and enlightenment for his fellow prisoners. These works drew upon his extensive knowledge of Thirukkural, Siva Gnana Botham, and other philosophical and theistic works of Saiva Siddhanta.
It is uncertain whether Periyar or Atheist society ever printed and circulated V.O.C's philosophical works, which did not even require translation efforts but would have provided profound clarity regarding the misconceptions and malpractices associated with religion, God, and the caste system that Periyarists vehemently fought against.
Above all else, my own Saiva Siddhanta philosophical journey have taught me that
It is not men like Sardar Bhagat Singh who require a God, but rather it is the divine entity who relies on individuals of his caliber to fulfill its purpose in this world.
This perspective challenges the conventional notion of seeking a higher power and provokes contemplation on the role that humanity plays in the grand tapestry of existence.
Disclaimer: This article represents solely my reflections as a theist on Bhagat Singh's renowned letter titled "Why I am an atheist?". The quotes utilized from the original work are solely for academic purposes. As a theist, I perceive my duty as not to convert non-believers to my own beliefs, but rather to offer clarity to those who already hold beliefs but have been exploited in the name of their faith. Therefore, I write about philosophy, religion, and God with the intention of shedding light on these subjects.
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