106th anniversary of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Context

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, which occurred on April 13, 1919, remains one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. On the 106th anniversary of this tragic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives for India’s freedom. Their tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during India’s struggle for independence.

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: A Historical Overview

• Background and Context: The massacre took place during a period of heightened political unrest in India under British colonial rule. Following World War I, the Rowlatt Act of 1919 was introduced, allowing the British government to suppress dissent through arbitrary arrests and trials without jury. This legislation sparked widespread protests across India, particularly in Punjab, where nationalist leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal were arrested, leading to public outrage.
• The Tragedy at Jallianwala Bagh: On April 13, 1919, thousands of unarmed civilians gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar to protest peacefully against the Rowlatt Act and demand the release of their leaders. General Reginald Dyer, without warning or provocation, ordered his troops to open fire on the crowd. The shooting lasted for ten minutes until ammunition was exhausted, killing over 500 people and injuring more than 1,500 others.

Significance of the Massacre

• Impact on Indo-British Relations: The massacre marked a turning point in India’s struggle for independence. It exposed the oppressive nature of British colonial rule and shattered any remaining trust between Indians and their rulers. The brutality of the incident led Rabindranath Tagore to renounce his knighthood in protest.
• Catalyst for Nationalism: The tragedy galvanized Indian society, uniting people across regions and communities in their demand for independence. Mahatma Gandhi’s commitment to the nationalist movement deepened after this event, leading to widespread civil disobedience campaigns.

Tributes by Leaders in 2025

• On April 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to the martyrs at Jallianwala Bagh. PM Modi emphasized that “the coming generations will always remember their indomitable spirit,” while President Murmu highlighted the importance of honoring their sacrifice as a source of inspiration for building a better future.
• Their tributes underscore how deeply this event is etched into India’s collective memory and its role in shaping modern India’s identity.

Commemorations and Memorials

• Preserving History: To honor the martyrs, the Indian government has established memorials such as the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum in Amritsar. This museum provides an authentic account of the massacre and its impact on India’s independence struggle.
• Annual Observances: Every year on April 13, citizens across India pay tribute to those who lost their lives at Jallianwala Bagh. These commemorations serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the importance of safeguarding democratic values.

Lessons from Jallianwala Bagh

• The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre teaches us invaluable lessons about resilience, unity, and the cost of freedom. It is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed under colonial rule and a call to honor those who fought for justice.
• As India progresses as a democratic nation, remembering such events ensures that future generations remain committed to upholding human rights and dignity.

Conclusion

The tribute by PM Modi and President Murmu reflects India’s enduring respect for its freedom fighters and martyrs. The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre stands as a symbol of sacrifice and resilience that continues to inspire India’s journey toward justice and equality. By remembering this tragedy, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving democratic ideals and honoring those who gave their lives for our nation’s freedom.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the impact of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre on the Indian freedom struggle. How did it alter the course of nationalist movements in the country?

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