Kartar Singh Sarabha – Biography

Kartar Singh Sarabha (1896–1915) was one of India's youngest and most revered freedom fighters, remembered for his courage, patriotism, and sacrifice during the struggle against British colonial rule. A leading member of the Ghadar Party, he became a symbol of revolutionary nationalism and inspired generations of freedom fighters, including Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Born on May 24, 1896, in Sarabha village near Ludhiana, Punjab, Kartar Singh lost his father at a young age and was raised by his grandfather. After completing his early education in Punjab, he moved to the United States in 1912 to pursue higher studies at the University of California, Berkeley.

While in the United States, he became actively involved with the Ghadar Party, an organization founded by Indian expatriates dedicated to ending British rule in India. Kartar Singh played a key role in publishing the party's newspaper, Ghadar, writing articles, printing literature, and mobilizing Indians abroad to join the independence movement.

In 1914, following the outbreak of the First World War, he returned to India to help organize an armed uprising against British rule. However, the plan was betrayed, leading to the arrest of many revolutionaries. Kartar Singh was captured and tried in the Lahore Conspiracy Case.

Despite being only 19 years old, he displayed remarkable courage during the trial and refused to seek mercy. On November 16, 1915, he was hanged at Lahore Central Jail. His martyrdom left a profound impact on India's freedom movement.

Shaheed Bhagat Singh regarded Kartar Singh Sarabha as his idol and often carried his photograph, describing him as a source of inspiration. Today, Kartar Singh Sarabha is remembered as one of Punjab's greatest revolutionaries, whose sacrifice continues to inspire patriotism and devotion to the nation.