Remembering Rational Voices, Freedom Fighters, and the Fight for Free Thought
Why this date matters
23 March is a powerful and meaningful date. In India, it is remembered as Shaheed Divas, honoring the sacrifice of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru. On the same day, many across the world also observe International Atheist Day, recognizing those who stand for reason, free thinking, and humanism.
This overlap is not just a coincidence. It reflects a deeper connection between freedom and thought. True freedom is not only political, but also intellectual.
Rationalism and the Freedom Movement
Bhagat Singh and free thinking
Bhagat Singh stands as the strongest symbol of this idea. He was not only a freedom fighter but also a rational thinker. In his famous essay Why I Am an Atheist, he openly rejected blind faith and supported logic, questioning, and courage.
Other rationalist thinkers
Alongside him, thinkers like M. N. Roy and Goparaju Ramachandra Rao helped shape a tradition of rationalism and humanism in India.
Core ideas they promoted:
- Question everything, including tradition
- Use reason instead of blind belief
- Stand for human dignity and equality
- Support scientific thinking
Atheists as a Persecuted Community
Global reality
The truth is uncomfortable. Atheists are among the most persecuted communities in the world.
In many countries, openly identifying as an atheist can lead to:
- Social boycott
- Family rejection
- Imprisonment
- Death penalty in extreme cases
There are still countries where apostasy or blasphemy laws allow execution. This heavily affects ex-Muslim atheists, who may face punishment simply for leaving religion.
In some regions, even speaking openly about disbelief can result in violence or legal action.
Situation in India
Attacks on rationalists
India is not completely free from this reality.
Several rationalists who questioned superstition and extremism were killed:
- Narendra Dabholkar, shot dead in 2013
- Govind Pansare, murdered in 2015
- M. M. Kalburgi, assassinated in 2015
These were targeted killings of voices that promoted scientific thinking.
What this shows
- Challenging belief systems can be dangerous
- Free thinkers face resistance
- Rational voices can be silenced
Why Atheists Face Persecution
Core reasons
Atheism is often targeted because it:
- Challenges authority
- Questions traditions
- Rejects blind faith
- Encourages independent thinking
For systems built on belief without questioning, this becomes a threat.
Connection Between Shaheed Divas and Atheist Day
A deeper link
Freedom fighters like Bhagat Singh did not only fight against colonial rule. They also fought for a society where people could:
- Think freely
- Question injustice
- Speak without fear
This directly connects with rationalism and atheism.
Final Reflection
On this 23 March, we remember two powerful ideas together:
- The sacrifice of freedom fighters
- The courage of those who defend free thought
This day reminds us:
- Freedom is incomplete without freedom of thought
- Truth comes with a cost
- Courage matters more than silence
Throughout history, people have chosen courage over silence.
Their voices must not be forgotten.
“We are all atheists about most of the gods that humanity has ever believed in. Some of us just go one god further.”― Richard Dawkins
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