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Why I am an Atheist
Autobiography of an Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter.
20 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1931
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About the author
Bhagat Singh
80 books343 followersBhagat Singh was an Indian socialist considered to be one of the most influential revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement. He is often referred to as "Shaheed Bhagat Singh", the word "Shaheed" meaning "martyr" in a number of South Asian and Middle Eastern languages. Born into a Sikh family which had earlier been involved in revolutionary activities against the British Raj, as a teenager Singh studied European revolutionary movements and was attracted to anarchist and Marxist ideologies. He became involved in numerous revolutionary organisations, and quickly rose through the ranks of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) to become one of its main leaders, eventually changing its name to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928.
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May 13, 2023
How can a young man who lived only for 23 years write such a masterpiece with extraordinary philosophical ideas while he was in Lahore Jail waiting to be hanged? The situation in which he wrote this book might have turned even the strongest atheist into a religious person. But not Bhagat Singh.
He is a true example of the word firebrand, which might be the reason why we are still talking about him with so much passion even after around 100 years.
Many of us might have heard or studied about Bhagat Singh, the freedom fighter. But there was so much more we had to learn about Bhagat Singh, the human being.
What I learned from this book
1) What are the qualities that a revolutionary should possess?
Bhagat Singh was a firebrand freedom fighter with extraordinary clarity of thought and was never a mendicant in front of the mighty colonial empire like many others at that time. Only freedom could have mollified the obdurate wrath of him due to the predicaments his countrymen had to face due to the nefarious, parochial deeds of the East India company. The onerous task ahead of him and the fact that he might have to risk his life for it never perturbed him. Until his last breath, he was sure what he had to do in his paradigmatic life, and he was extremely proud of his country.
“Criticism and independent thinking are the two indispensable qualities of a revolutionary”
2) God, religion and atheism
Bhagat Singh was adamant that he will never pray for his selfish motives. He didn’t care whether others called his this behavior vanity or any other names. Some of you might not agree with all the opinions written by the author in this book. Still, you can’t ignore the sheer amount of brilliance behind what he has written about God and religion.
“So that when a man can be in great distress having been betrayed and deserted by all friends he may find consolation in the idea that an ever true friend was still there to help him, to support him and that He was Almighty and could do anything. The idea of God is helpful to man in distress.
Society has to fight out this belief as well as was fought the idol worship and the narrow conception of religion. Similarly, when man tries to stand on his own legs, and become a realist he shall have to throw the faith aside, and to face manfully all the distress, trouble, in which the circumstances may throw him”
3) What is liberty?
Bhagat Singh tells us what exactly is liberty according to him and how we can liberate from our sufferings
“The day shall usher in a new era of liberty when a large number of men and women, taking courage from the idea of serving humanity and liberating them from sufferings and distress, decide that there is no alternative before them except devoting their lives for this cause. They will wage a war against their oppressors, tyrants or exploiters, not to become kings, or to gain any reward here or in the next birth or after death in paradise; but to cast off the yoke of slavery, to establish liberty and peace they will tread this perilous, but glorious path.”
My favourite three lines from this book
“They argued that death of this kind would be something like suicide. But I had replied that a man who believes in ideals like mine could never think of dying uselessly. We want to get maximum value for our lives. We want to serve humanity as much as possible.”
“Rebellion against king is always a sin according to every religion.”
“Self-reliance is always liable to be interpreted as vanity. It is sad and miserable but there is no help.”
What could have been better?
Many of us still only know about Bhagat Singh, the freedom fighter, but not Bhagat Singh, the human being. It is because this book has not got the recognition it deserved yet.
Rating
5/5 This is a must-read book if you are an Indian.
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October 28, 2015
This essay is supposed to be read by an argumentative, non-aligned, unprejudiced and a detached mind because only such a mind would have the ability to comprehend the essence of these musings.
At 22 years of age, if a person delves into such philosophies with such prudence and vanity, it's only a great tragedy to have lost him so early.
A text to cherish all my life.
At 22 years of age, if a person delves into such philosophies with such prudence and vanity, it's only a great tragedy to have lost him so early.
A text to cherish all my life.
May 12, 2017
A quite remarkable document from one of India's most firebrand revolutionary socialists, an anarchist and activist who played a small but influential role in the movement for Indian independence in the 1920s. I can't approve of Singh's political approach (i.e., assassination), but I do find his thoughts on atheism very moving for two reasons – firstly, because they come out of such a conspicuously religious (if religiously diverse) society, so much so that even now too many people think of ‘the East’ as being infused with spirituality and mysticism and completely incompatible with atheism: not so. And secondly because he wrote from prison and in full knowledge that he was likely to be sentenced to death by hanging, so disproving the common line about there being no atheists in foxholes.
The essay was prompted by a desire to defend himself from the charge that his lack of belief in a god came from personal vanity. But in a way, this defence is the least interesting part of his argument, because on the way he articulates the basis for his position so well, and with such surprising directness. No pussyfooting around here. The theory of reincarnation is dismissed as ‘unutterable trash’, and he sets out the central problem of theodicy about as well as anyone has:
Still unanswerable.
But where he really sends shivers down your spine is in the passages where he considers his impending fate. How he wrote this stuff from a humid Lahore jail cell is beyond me.
He did. They hanged him less than a year later.
The essay was prompted by a desire to defend himself from the charge that his lack of belief in a god came from personal vanity. But in a way, this defence is the least interesting part of his argument, because on the way he articulates the basis for his position so well, and with such surprising directness. No pussyfooting around here. The theory of reincarnation is dismissed as ‘unutterable trash’, and he sets out the central problem of theodicy about as well as anyone has:
Nero burnt one Rome. He killed a very limited number of people. He caused only a few tragedies, all for his morbid enjoyment. But what is his place in history? By what names do we remember him? All the disparaging epithets are hurled at him. Pages are blackened with invective diatribes condemning Nero: the tyrant, the heartless, the wicked.
One Genghis Khan killed a few thousand people to seek pleasure in it and we hate the very name. Now, how will you justify your all-powerful, eternal Nero, who every day, every moment continues his pastime of killing people? How can you support his doings which surpass those of Genghis Khan in cruelty and in misery inflicted upon people? I ask why the Almighty created this world which is nothing but a living hell, a place of constant and bitter unrest. Why did he create man when he had the power not to do so? Have you any answer to these questions? You will say that it is to reward the sufferer and punish the evildoer in the hereafter. Well, well, how far will you justify a man who first of all inflicts injuries on your body and then applies soft and soothing ointment on them? How far the supporters and organizers of Gladiator bouts were justified in throwing men before half starved lions, later to be cared for and looked after well if they escaped this horrible death. That is why I ask: Was the creation of man intended to derive this kind of pleasure?
Still unanswerable.
But where he really sends shivers down your spine is in the passages where he considers his impending fate. How he wrote this stuff from a humid Lahore jail cell is beyond me.
I am going to sacrifice my life for a cause. What more consolation can there be! A God-believing Hindu may expect to be reborn a king; a Muslim or a Christian might dream of the luxuries he hopes to enjoy in paradise as a reward for his sufferings and sacrifices. What hope should I entertain? I know that will be the end when the rope is tightened round my neck and the rafters move from under my feet. To use more precise religious terminology, that will be the moment of utter annihilation. My soul will come to nothing.
[…]
Let us see how steadfast I am. One of my friends asked me to pray. When informed of my atheism, he said, “When your last days come, you will begin to believe.” I said, “No, dear sir, Never shall it happen. I consider it to be an act of degradation and demoralisation. For such petty selfish motives, I shall never pray.” Reader and friends, is it vanity? If it is, I stand for it.
He did. They hanged him less than a year later.
November 25, 2023
An avant - garde essay !! I bow my head to Bhagat Singh
In this essay, the critical thinking and cognizance shown by Bhagat Singh is simply formidable. A man, at such a tender age (22-23) was capable of such ideas and that too nearly a century ago. I wonder where I had been to not read this essay until now.
The coherence of his thinking clearly shows that he was a rare bird in terms of religious firebrand. And, more than that, the condition in which he wrote the essay (while being in the Lahore Central Jail) is beyond belief. "Awe - inspiring" - if that word is capable of describing the unflinching courage of the great leader. An unparalleled example of a young yet prodigious revolutionary.
PS : The essay requires an unprejudiced reading from a liberal mind.
In this essay, the critical thinking and cognizance shown by Bhagat Singh is simply formidable. A man, at such a tender age (22-23) was capable of such ideas and that too nearly a century ago. I wonder where I had been to not read this essay until now.
The coherence of his thinking clearly shows that he was a rare bird in terms of religious firebrand. And, more than that, the condition in which he wrote the essay (while being in the Lahore Central Jail) is beyond belief. "Awe - inspiring" - if that word is capable of describing the unflinching courage of the great leader. An unparalleled example of a young yet prodigious revolutionary.
PS : The essay requires an unprejudiced reading from a liberal mind.
January 1, 2020
To be honest it was an okayish book. It doesn't seems to be a great writing or reasoning. It doesn't say something extraordinary that you haven't heard before.
Unfortunately, Bhagat Singh is now used as a communist symbol to incite violence. They are slowly appropriating him. Same way Ambedkar is being appropriate by Dravidian parties. Its hilarious to see that none of these parties have even read these great men work.
Anyway i have a huge respect for this man.
Naman to Bhagat Singh.
Unfortunately, Bhagat Singh is now used as a communist symbol to incite violence. They are slowly appropriating him. Same way Ambedkar is being appropriate by Dravidian parties. Its hilarious to see that none of these parties have even read these great men work.
Anyway i have a huge respect for this man.
Naman to Bhagat Singh.
February 23, 2010
The generation... i consider post freedom generation only... could have some ethics to sacrify if this book was made a school syllabus supplement....
We only learn name, date of birth, or image of the great people...
we always ignore and forget the ethical grounds and vision behind their sacrifice....
We should adopt some books in our syllabus...
We only learn name, date of birth, or image of the great people...
we always ignore and forget the ethical grounds and vision behind their sacrifice....
We should adopt some books in our syllabus...
April 21, 2016
As a kid, I idolized Bhagat Singh, Subash Bose.
Non-violence? What is that? Show the other cheek when you are slapped on one. What idiotic notion is this? What a loser Gandhi was?
The real fight was what Singh did. Bose did. Tit for tat. You beat us. And we beat you more. You kill us. We kill you.
And also, I loved then Mithun-da, Dharamendra movies where they killed 'chun chun ke' the rapists who killed their sisters.
But, unfortunately, I grew up.
I understood the power and importance of non-violence, tolerance. I started to revere Gandhi's methods. And suddenly Bhagat Singh appeared as a misguided wayward revolutionist who bombed the Indian Assembly to no avail. I realized how futile violent upheaval is to achieve one's goals.
Then one day, this book caught my attention.
I was left in an awe with this 22 year old lad.
These 20 pages changed my view on him completely.
Extremely well-read. Clarity of thoughts uncharacteristic of his age.
And maintaining a stance of atheism, choosing reason over faith, while staring at the face of death. (yes, this one he wrote few days before his hanging)
Unbelievable courage!
Take a bow, Bhagat Singh.
Where are the Hindu fundamentalist-right-wing guys who call this out-and-out leftist and atheist revolutionary as one of their own? Burn this book. Quick. Before anyone else reads it.
Non-violence? What is that? Show the other cheek when you are slapped on one. What idiotic notion is this? What a loser Gandhi was?
The real fight was what Singh did. Bose did. Tit for tat. You beat us. And we beat you more. You kill us. We kill you.
And also, I loved then Mithun-da, Dharamendra movies where they killed 'chun chun ke' the rapists who killed their sisters.
But, unfortunately, I grew up.
I understood the power and importance of non-violence, tolerance. I started to revere Gandhi's methods. And suddenly Bhagat Singh appeared as a misguided wayward revolutionist who bombed the Indian Assembly to no avail. I realized how futile violent upheaval is to achieve one's goals.
Then one day, this book caught my attention.
I was left in an awe with this 22 year old lad.
These 20 pages changed my view on him completely.
Extremely well-read. Clarity of thoughts uncharacteristic of his age.
And maintaining a stance of atheism, choosing reason over faith, while staring at the face of death. (yes, this one he wrote few days before his hanging)
Unbelievable courage!
Take a bow, Bhagat Singh.
Where are the Hindu fundamentalist-right-wing guys who call this out-and-out leftist and atheist revolutionary as one of their own? Burn this book. Quick. Before anyone else reads it.
September 8, 2020
How can anyone even rate this book. It’s not possible. However, having read this book,written by the most enlightened person ,that too at a very young age, gave me goosebumps. I love how strong he can be even in most difficult of the situations, how unflinching his attitude is even when he is imprisoned. How strong his motto is. Such a great person. He says he might be locked up in the jail or anywhere but his mind is free to think. No one can ever stop that.
So this book consists of set of letters written by him to certain important people and explains the situations clearly. And about Bhagat Singh, I couldn’t be more prouder.🤗
So this book consists of set of letters written by him to certain important people and explains the situations clearly. And about Bhagat Singh, I couldn’t be more prouder.🤗
October 13, 2017
Every Indian knows who Bhagat Singh was and what he did for India's fight for freedom but not many people are aware about his ideology or why he was a Marxist. Well! this piece of writing will give you an exact idea about these. What amazed me most was his clarity of thoughts. This doesn't look anything like a writing from a 22-23 year old boy who knew that he will be hanged in next few weeks. As the essay pointed out he was a voracious reader and that maturity reflects in his writing. Being an atheist is not only about going against popular beliefs but its really tough, specially for those who are suffering.
As he wrote, "Beliefs make it easier to go through hardships, even make them pleasant. Man can find a strong support in God and an encouraging consolation in His Name. If you have no belief in Him, then there is no alternative but to depend upon yourself. It is not child’s play to stand firm on your feet amid storms and strong winds." This shows how strong as a person he was as he stood firm on his ideology even in his last days.
He didn't only show his disbelief in the Omnipotent God but also cursed the narrow conceptions of different religions. It is obvious that his beliefs were influenced by India's social, economical, political and cultural state that time and you need to have an impartial mind to understand his thoughts. There might be few points where you will not agree with his arguments but he wrote those well enough so that you can agree to disagree. Last but not the least you can read it for the sheer passion and devotion he had for his country without any hope of reward.
In his own words "A God-believing Hindu may expect to be reborn a king; a Muslim or a Christian might dream of the luxuries he hopes to enjoy in paradise as a reward for his sufferings and sacrifices. What hope should I entertain? I know that will be the end when the rope is tightened round my neck and the rafters move from under my feet. To use more precise religious terminology, that will be the moment of utter annihilation. My soul will come to nothing. If I take the courage to take the matter in the light of ‘Reward’, I see that a short life of struggle with no such magnificent end shall itself be my ‘Reward.’ That is all. Without any selfish motive of getting any reward here or in the hereafter, quite disinterestedly have I devoted my life to the cause of freedom. I could not act otherwise.
But then again he was an Atheist not a Pessimist. He had his owndream vision, which had nothing to do with any almighty GOD or after life rewards or any other myth or assumptions for that matter. It was very simple and realistic - India's Freedom and he wrote about that with utmost passion. "The day shall usher in a new era of liberty when a large number of men and women, taking courage from the idea of serving humanity and liberating them from sufferings and distress, decide that there is no alternative before them except devoting their lives for this cause. They will wage a war against their oppressors, tyrants or exploiters, not to become kings, or to gain any reward here or in the next birth or after death in paradise; but to cast off the yoke of slavery, to establish liberty and peace they will tread this perilous, but glorious path."
As he wrote, "Beliefs make it easier to go through hardships, even make them pleasant. Man can find a strong support in God and an encouraging consolation in His Name. If you have no belief in Him, then there is no alternative but to depend upon yourself. It is not child’s play to stand firm on your feet amid storms and strong winds." This shows how strong as a person he was as he stood firm on his ideology even in his last days.
He didn't only show his disbelief in the Omnipotent God but also cursed the narrow conceptions of different religions. It is obvious that his beliefs were influenced by India's social, economical, political and cultural state that time and you need to have an impartial mind to understand his thoughts. There might be few points where you will not agree with his arguments but he wrote those well enough so that you can agree to disagree. Last but not the least you can read it for the sheer passion and devotion he had for his country without any hope of reward.
In his own words "A God-believing Hindu may expect to be reborn a king; a Muslim or a Christian might dream of the luxuries he hopes to enjoy in paradise as a reward for his sufferings and sacrifices. What hope should I entertain? I know that will be the end when the rope is tightened round my neck and the rafters move from under my feet. To use more precise religious terminology, that will be the moment of utter annihilation. My soul will come to nothing. If I take the courage to take the matter in the light of ‘Reward’, I see that a short life of struggle with no such magnificent end shall itself be my ‘Reward.’ That is all. Without any selfish motive of getting any reward here or in the hereafter, quite disinterestedly have I devoted my life to the cause of freedom. I could not act otherwise.
But then again he was an Atheist not a Pessimist. He had his own
December 22, 2019
This review is only on this book by Bhagat Singh and in no way on the man and the freedom fighter that he was !
With all respect to his stand on being an atheist and while I am no expert in Christianity or Islam and hence can’t answer his questions, his questions on Hinduism are very easily answerable; those answers are actually what Indian civilization/Hinduism is. May be all he needed was a guru.
Having said so, he was not a fair-weathered atheist. The conviction with which he embraced it and stuck to it till the last shows just the man he was. He stood by his own !
With all respect to his stand on being an atheist and while I am no expert in Christianity or Islam and hence can’t answer his questions, his questions on Hinduism are very easily answerable; those answers are actually what Indian civilization/Hinduism is. May be all he needed was a guru.
Having said so, he was not a fair-weathered atheist. The conviction with which he embraced it and stuck to it till the last shows just the man he was. He stood by his own !
March 23, 2016
Today is 23rd March , Shaheed Diwas/Martyr's Day observed for the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh along with his comrades Sukhdev and Rajguru. Singh was hanged to death on March 23, 1931.
He was only 23.
And I think it would be fitting if one just listen's to this man's thoughts ( if anybody hasn't read this little essay before )
https://www.marxists.org/archive/bhag...
It is hardly a few pages and well worth your time.
==============================================
21 Nov 2014
It is necessary for every person who stands for progress to criticize every tenet of old beliefs. Item by item he has to challenge the efficacy of old faith. He has to analyse and understand all the details. If after rigorous reasoning, one is led to believe in any theory of philosophy, his faith is appreciated. His reasoning may be mistaken and even fallacious. But there is chance that he will be corrected because Reason is the guiding principle of his life. But belief, I should say blind belief is disastrous. It deprives a man of his understanding power and makes him reactionary.
A must read.
He was only 23.
And I think it would be fitting if one just listen's to this man's thoughts ( if anybody hasn't read this little essay before )
https://www.marxists.org/archive/bhag...
It is hardly a few pages and well worth your time.
==============================================
21 Nov 2014
It is necessary for every person who stands for progress to criticize every tenet of old beliefs. Item by item he has to challenge the efficacy of old faith. He has to analyse and understand all the details. If after rigorous reasoning, one is led to believe in any theory of philosophy, his faith is appreciated. His reasoning may be mistaken and even fallacious. But there is chance that he will be corrected because Reason is the guiding principle of his life. But belief, I should say blind belief is disastrous. It deprives a man of his understanding power and makes him reactionary.
A must read.
September 28, 2020
One thing which I have noticed in atheists is that the don't try to force their belief on us.
But the believers always try to do that.
.
I am not am atheist but I do have a lot of curiosity and I ask my friends who are atheist, "why are they atheist?"
I just want to know their thought process.
Yeah I might give counter arguments to their thoughts.
And which some might consider as forcing my belief on them.
But that was not my intention and my friends know that. but yeah some might get offended ..
So I will make it clear I like to have Healthy discussion 😀
And I respect your views and beliefs. It's just I am curious to know reason behind it
.
There are also movies where atheists are turned into believer but is there any movie where believer is turned into a an atheist ?
Well this book shows us why he became atheist his views and its basis
You will also see why he had to explain "why he was an atheist.?"
.
.
So in this essay I found few answers and behind being a atheist.
This time I just read it to know his side
Didn't argue with the writer.
I will have to read again carefully to make my counter arguments 😂
Or you can say something that can strengthen my belief after reading this 😀.
.
Of course Atheist would love this and I would suggest believers also to read it as it will show you new way of thinking .
In his words :
"But mere faith and blind faith is dangerous: it dulls the brain and makers a man reactionary"
.
Knowing someone's point of view.
But read only if it doesn't offend you.
And if it doesn't offend you it will definitely make you think.
And I like something that makes me think 😀.
.
There is one thought of mine which is similar to his that
Praying can sometimes be a selfish act by us humans...
Its just that I say sometimes and he says most times it's selfish 😂 ...
.
.
I would really recommend reading this one .
It's really short essay ..
.
it is obvious that he is pretty inspiring figure.
Many people live for 100 years without doing anything and are actually proud of it ..
But this person actually did something and died at the age of 23 ..
.
In this era how many of us can say that
" I won't mind dying but I would like to do something impactful before dying."
.
But the believers always try to do that.
.
I am not am atheist but I do have a lot of curiosity and I ask my friends who are atheist, "why are they atheist?"
I just want to know their thought process.
Yeah I might give counter arguments to their thoughts.
And which some might consider as forcing my belief on them.
But that was not my intention and my friends know that. but yeah some might get offended ..
So I will make it clear I like to have Healthy discussion 😀
And I respect your views and beliefs. It's just I am curious to know reason behind it
.
There are also movies where atheists are turned into believer but is there any movie where believer is turned into a an atheist ?
Well this book shows us why he became atheist his views and its basis
You will also see why he had to explain "why he was an atheist.?"
.
.
So in this essay I found few answers and behind being a atheist.
This time I just read it to know his side
Didn't argue with the writer.
I will have to read again carefully to make my counter arguments 😂
Or you can say something that can strengthen my belief after reading this 😀.
.
Of course Atheist would love this and I would suggest believers also to read it as it will show you new way of thinking .
In his words :
"But mere faith and blind faith is dangerous: it dulls the brain and makers a man reactionary"
.
Knowing someone's point of view.
But read only if it doesn't offend you.
And if it doesn't offend you it will definitely make you think.
And I like something that makes me think 😀.
.
There is one thought of mine which is similar to his that
Praying can sometimes be a selfish act by us humans...
Its just that I say sometimes and he says most times it's selfish 😂 ...
.
.
I would really recommend reading this one .
It's really short essay ..
.
it is obvious that he is pretty inspiring figure.
Many people live for 100 years without doing anything and are actually proud of it ..
But this person actually did something and died at the age of 23 ..
.
In this era how many of us can say that
" I won't mind dying but I would like to do something impactful before dying."
.
May 23, 2022
What a man!
To put it plain and simple, I'm star struck. Awe inspired.
To be this coherent, cognitive and courageous by the very young age of 22-23.. one could only strive to be half this wise.
We all(Indians) read about Bhagat Singh's life in school but this felt special.. personal. From his reasons to be an atheist, to his thoughts about liberty, everything was very well put together.
Critical thinker, amazing writer, great freedom fighter. Bhagat Singh was an impeccable man and this essay is a must read, only if you aren't allergic to logic.
May 23, 2022
To put it plain and simple, I'm star struck. Awe inspired.
To be this coherent, cognitive and courageous by the very young age of 22-23.. one could only strive to be half this wise.
We all(Indians) read about Bhagat Singh's life in school but this felt special.. personal. From his reasons to be an atheist, to his thoughts about liberty, everything was very well put together.
Critical thinker, amazing writer, great freedom fighter. Bhagat Singh was an impeccable man and this essay is a must read, only if you aren't allergic to logic.
Rebellion against the king is a sin in every religion.
May 23, 2022
October 14, 2018
Very few books in life tempt to read them again. Bhagat Singh shows a rationale aspect of a communist. Religion has nothing to do with his ideology. To him, Religion is just an exploitative tool in the hand of Bourgeois to threaten the proletarian. It demands courage to be an atheist.
October 10, 2019
শহিদ বিপ্লবী ভগৎ সিং "কেন নাস্তিক " বইয়ের মূলকাঠামো বড় নয় বরং বেশি ছোট। কিন্তু ভূমিকা আর উপক্রমণিকা সমেত পুস্তকের কায়া দাঁড়ায় ৫৯ এ।
নকশালবাড়ি আন্দোলনের তাত্ত্বিক বিটি রণদিভের ভূমিকা বিশেষভাবে দৃষ্টিগোচর হয়। তিনি নাতিদীর্ঘ ভূমিকায় লিখেন,
"প্রকাশ্য জনজীবনে ভগৎ সিংয়ের আবির্ভাব আমাদের এই কথাই জানিয়ে দেয় যে-এই এক তরুণ বিপ্লবী, যিনি একমাত্র জনসাধারণের স্বার্থে-সূত্রেই তাদের কথা ভাবতে চান।"
কাজের লেখায় আসি, কেন ঈশ্বরে বিশ্বাসী নন তরুণ ভগৎ সিং? নিজেই বলছেন,এটি কী তার "অহংমন্যতা" নাকী যুক্তির বলেই তিনি বিশ্বাসী নন? তিনি উত্তর দেন যে,ঈশ্বরে নয়, মানুষকে মানুষের ওপরই আস্থা রাখতে হবে। মধ্যযুগের কবির ' সবার ওপরে মানুষ সত্য, তাহারে ওপরে নাই' দর্শনের লাইনের লোক ভগৎ সিং।
আর কঠিনতরভাবে নিজ বিশ্বাসকে পাঠকমনে প্রতিষ্ঠা করতে লিখেন,
"আমার মতে যে ব্যক্তির কিছু পরিমাণ যুক্তিবোধ এবং তর্ক বিচারের ক্ষমতা আছে, সব সময়েই তিনি চান যুক্তি দিয়েই তাঁর পারিপার্শ্বিকতাকে বিচার করতে ও জয় করতে। "
ভগৎ সিং বারবার বলতে চেয়েছেন, যেখানে প্রত্যক্ষ প্রমাণ নেই সেখান স্রেফ বিশ্বাস দিয়ে কেনোকিছুকে ব্যাখা করতে রাজি নন। তিনি এই বিশ্বাস নিয়ে ভাবেন,
"শুধুমাত্র বিশ্বাস -অন্ধবিশ্বাসই বড় বিপজ্জনক, তা মানুষের বুদ্ধিকে ভোঁতা করে দেয় এবং স্বভাবতই তাঁকে করে তোলে প্রতিক্রিয়াশীল। "
এরপর গতানুগতিক ঈশ্বর অবিশ্বাসের কিছু কারণের কথা বলেছেন। যেমনঃ ধনী-গরিব কেন? মানুষ বিনাবিচারে মরবে কেন? ঈশ্বর মানুষের কষ্ট দেখেও কিছু করেন না কেন? ইত্যাদি ইত্যাদি।
ভুললে চলবে না বইটি তথা প্রবন্ধটি তিনি লিখেছিলেন জেলে বসে। তাঁর ফাঁসির কিছুদিন আগে জনৈক রণধীর বাবা নামক ঈশ্বরভক্তের মন্তব্যের সূত্রধরে। তাই এই প্রবন্ধে অসাধারণ কিছু আশা না করাই ভালো। এটি এক বিপ্লবীর নিজস্ব মতামত, যিনি লেনিন, বা��ুনিন,ট্রটস্কি, রবীন্দ্রনাথ, হুগো,ডিকেন্স এবং ভলতেয়ার পাঠ করেছেন একনিষ্ঠ চিত্তে এবং আমৃত্যু লালন করেছেন হৃদয়ে।
নকশালবাড়ি আন্দোলনের তাত্ত্বিক বিটি রণদিভের ভূমিকা বিশেষভাবে দৃষ্টিগোচর হয়। তিনি নাতিদীর্ঘ ভূমিকায় লিখেন,
"প্রকাশ্য জনজীবনে ভগৎ সিংয়ের আবির্ভাব আমাদের এই কথাই জানিয়ে দেয় যে-এই এক তরুণ বিপ্লবী, যিনি একমাত্র জনসাধারণের স্বার্থে-সূত্রেই তাদের কথা ভাবতে চান।"
কাজের লেখায় আসি, কেন ঈশ্বরে বিশ্বাসী নন তরুণ ভগৎ সিং? নিজেই বলছেন,এটি কী তার "অহংমন্যতা" নাকী যুক্তির বলেই তিনি বিশ্বাসী নন? তিনি উত্তর দেন যে,ঈশ্বরে নয়, মানুষকে মানুষের ওপরই আস্থা রাখতে হবে। মধ্যযুগের কবির ' সবার ওপরে মানুষ সত্য, তাহারে ওপরে নাই' দর্শনের লাইনের লোক ভগৎ সিং।
আর কঠিনতরভাবে নিজ বিশ্বাসকে পাঠকমনে প্রতিষ্ঠা করতে লিখেন,
"আমার মতে যে ব্যক্তির কিছু পরিমাণ যুক্তিবোধ এবং তর্ক বিচারের ক্ষমতা আছে, সব সময়েই তিনি চান যুক্তি দিয়েই তাঁর পারিপার্শ্বিকতাকে বিচার করতে ও জয় করতে। "
ভগৎ সিং বারবার বলতে চেয়েছেন, যেখানে প্রত্যক্ষ প্রমাণ নেই সেখান স্রেফ বিশ্বাস দিয়ে কেনোকিছুকে ব্যাখা করতে রাজি নন। তিনি এই বিশ্বাস নিয়ে ভাবেন,
"শুধুমাত্র বিশ্বাস -অন্ধবিশ্বাসই বড় বিপজ্জনক, তা মানুষের বুদ্ধিকে ভোঁতা করে দেয় এবং স্বভাবতই তাঁকে করে তোলে প্রতিক্রিয়াশীল। "
এরপর গতানুগতিক ঈশ্বর অবিশ্বাসের কিছু কারণের কথা বলেছেন। যেমনঃ ধনী-গরিব কেন? মানুষ বিনাবিচারে মরবে কেন? ঈশ্বর মানুষের কষ্ট দেখেও কিছু করেন না কেন? ইত্যাদি ইত্যাদি।
ভুললে চলবে না বইটি তথা প্রবন্ধটি তিনি লিখেছিলেন জেলে বসে। তাঁর ফাঁসির কিছুদিন আগে জনৈক রণধীর বাবা নামক ঈশ্বরভক্তের মন্তব্যের সূত্রধরে। তাই এই প্রবন্ধে অসাধারণ কিছু আশা না করাই ভালো। এটি এক বিপ্লবীর নিজস্ব মতামত, যিনি লেনিন, বা��ুনিন,ট্রটস্কি, রবীন্দ্রনাথ, হুগো,ডিকেন্স এবং ভলতেয়ার পাঠ করেছেন একনিষ্ঠ চিত্তে এবং আমৃত্যু লালন করেছেন হৃদয়ে।
August 6, 2016
One of the most lovable pamphlets produced by Indian sub-continent
February 1, 2024
এই বইয়ের জন্য মুখবন্ধ খুব জরুরি ছিল। ভগৎ সিং-এর ক্ষণস্থায়ী ২৩ বছরের বিপ্লবী জীবন সম্পর্কে অবহিত না হলে পাঠক এই বই পড়ে হয়ত ততটা অনুভব করতে পারত না।
ব্রিটিশবিরোধী আন্দোলনের জন্য লাহোর যড়যন্ত্র মামলায় মৃত্যুদণ্ডে দন্ডিত হওয়ার পরও তাঁর নাস্তিকতার প্রতি অনড় থাকায় ব্যত্যয় ঘটেনি। তাঁর বন্ধুরা একই মতাদর্শে বিশ্বাসী হয়েও শুধু নাস্তিকতার জন্য তাঁকে অপছন্দ করত। এজন্য প্রতিবাদ স্বরূপ জেলখানায় বসে এই বই লিখেছেন। যদিও আরও চারটা বই লিখেছিলেন কিন্তু সেগুলো জেল থেকে বের হতে পারেনি। ভাগ্যিস এই বইটা তামিল ভাষায় অনূদিত হয়েছিল। জেলবন্দী সন্তানের সাথে দেখা করার সময় কিসাণ সিং সেখানে গেলে তাঁর হাত দিয়ে গোপনে এই লেখাটা বাইরে চলে আসে।
জীবনের প্রতি আত্মবিশ্বাসহীনতা, স্বার্থপর উদ্দেশ্য আমারও নেই। আর আমিও চেঙ্গিস খান, নিরোদের ঘৃণা করি। ঘৃণা করি ধর্ম ব্যবসায়ী, রাষ্ট্রনেতা, আর শোষকদের। ভালোবাসি যাদের নিজের পায়ে দাঁড়াতে অন্যকিছুর প্রতি নির্ভরশীল আর আস্থা রাখতে হয়নি। যারা বাস্তবতা আর যুক্তিতে বাঁচে। যারা সামান্য হলেও বঞ্চিতদের সাহায্যে এগিয়ে আসে।
ব্রিটিশবিরোধী আন্দোলনের জন্য লাহোর যড়যন্ত্র মামলায় মৃত্যুদণ্ডে দন্ডিত হওয়ার পরও তাঁর নাস্তিকতার প্রতি অনড় থাকায় ব্যত্যয় ঘটেনি। তাঁর বন্ধুরা একই মতাদর্শে বিশ্বাসী হয়েও শুধু নাস্তিকতার জন্য তাঁকে অপছন্দ করত। এজন্য প্রতিবাদ স্বরূপ জেলখানায় বসে এই বই লিখেছেন। যদিও আরও চারটা বই লিখেছিলেন কিন্তু সেগুলো জেল থেকে বের হতে পারেনি। ভাগ্যিস এই বইটা তামিল ভাষায় অনূদিত হয়েছিল। জেলবন্দী সন্তানের সাথে দেখা করার সময় কিসাণ সিং সেখানে গেলে তাঁর হাত দিয়ে গোপনে এই লেখাটা বাইরে চলে আসে।
জীবনের প্রতি আত্মবিশ্বাসহীনতা, স্বার্থপর উদ্দেশ্য আমারও নেই। আর আমিও চেঙ্গিস খান, নিরোদের ঘৃণা করি। ঘৃণা করি ধর্ম ব্যবসায়ী, রাষ্ট্রনেতা, আর শোষকদের। ভালোবাসি যাদের নিজের পায়ে দাঁড়াতে অন্যকিছুর প্রতি নির্ভরশীল আর আস্থা রাখতে হয়নি। যারা বাস্তবতা আর যুক্তিতে বাঁচে। যারা সামান্য হলেও বঞ্চিতদের সাহায্যে এগিয়ে আসে।
February 6, 2021
Title would have confused a reader, whether he's saying about religious values..
Not at all....
Such title are Blunder Mirage similar to Second part of "Why I AM HINDU " BY THAROOR.
Utterly political/Reformative values and facts had been consolidated by Author regardless of title.
Not at all....
Such title are Blunder Mirage similar to Second part of "Why I AM HINDU " BY THAROOR.
Utterly political/Reformative values and facts had been consolidated by Author regardless of title.
October 20, 2018
I am amazed by the thought process of Bhagat Singh, considering he was about 23 when he wrote this essay. This is a gem of a read. It gives you some insight into the mindset of a revolutionary.
November 18, 2021
An excellent argument for being an atheist. Even though he is kind towards theists in the sense that he is attributing their belief in God to be more noble than it actually is. Believing that faith helps people to hold on to something when all is lost. Holding on to an illusion of an all powerful, benevolent and a kind God to help them tide through the living hell that is this world. If people are doing this, then it indicates that the entire gamut of their existence is based on a lie. If that is the case, then how can anyone have any chance of happiness. Every religion piles onto the guilt of humans by pointing out their sins and making them pay for it. As Bhagat Singh clearly points out, poverty is a sin. It is a punishment that gets served out through the lifetime. So why doesn't the all powerful God fix this? All excellent points. Though it is a very short essay, it is well worth reading.
July 14, 2025
"Why I Am An Atheist" is a powerful and intellectually rigorous essay written from a jail cell.
More than a simple declaration of disbelief, it is a response to his critics who claimed his atheism was a product of vanity. He explains his journey from a devout religious boy to a firm rationalist.
He argues that his atheism is rooted in a deep commitment to realism and a refusal to find solace in an imaginary God. By questioning the existence of a benevolent deity in a world full of misery, poverty and injustice, he presents a compelling case. This essay... is not just a philosophical treatise but also an evidence to the unshakeable conviction of a revolutionary who faced death without the comfort of an afterlife, relying solely on his principles and his love for humanity.
A significant historical and intellectual document
More than a simple declaration of disbelief, it is a response to his critics who claimed his atheism was a product of vanity. He explains his journey from a devout religious boy to a firm rationalist.
He argues that his atheism is rooted in a deep commitment to realism and a refusal to find solace in an imaginary God. By questioning the existence of a benevolent deity in a world full of misery, poverty and injustice, he presents a compelling case. This essay... is not just a philosophical treatise but also an evidence to the unshakeable conviction of a revolutionary who faced death without the comfort of an afterlife, relying solely on his principles and his love for humanity.
A significant historical and intellectual document
April 6, 2021
Such a wonderful read! I am pretty surprised to perceive how a young man who lived only 23 years can think in this way!!! How?! No, I am not surprised with all his logic for becoming an atheist. I am surprised to know how he used to thought. How his thought process worked. After passing teenage, if there's any revolutionary we see, we obviously know that he must be short tempered, avengeful. But Bhagat Singh well described what he thinks about a revolutionary. It's not obvious that, you must me avengeful to be a revolutionary. You have to be ingenious to be a revolutionary. Or how can you make a better world? I started to read this book with a very exciting mind that I will know how a avengeful mind thinks. But when Bhagat Singh just told that, you don't need to be avengeful every time, I discover a man who can boil my mind as well as make my mind like a calm pond as requires.
There are lot other things you can know & 'learn' if you read this book by keep the word 'Atheist' at side. Even it can change your mind before you know :)
Favourite quote from this book-
"Rebellion against king is always a sin according to every religion."
There are lot other things you can know & 'learn' if you read this book by keep the word 'Atheist' at side. Even it can change your mind before you know :)
Favourite quote from this book-
"Rebellion against king is always a sin according to every religion."
July 19, 2013
The way how Bhagat Singh justifies that "Why he is an atheist" is unparalleled. In this universe all the revolutionary leaders are Atheist viz., Angels, Lenin, Stalin etc., If a revolutionary believes in God, by the time itself he is losing his self-believe. Worth reading.
பகத் சிங் கடவுள் இல்லை என்று சொல்லவில்லை. ஆனால், தான் ஏன் நாத்தகனானேன் என்பதை விளக்கும் உத்தி மிக பிரமாதம். இறக்க நேரும் முன் பிரார்த்தனை செய் என்று சில ஆஸ்திகர்கள் கூறும் போது, அவர் அதை மறுத்து தைரியத்துடனே துக்குமேடை ஏறியிருக்கிறார்.
பகத் சிங் கடவுள் இல்லை என்று சொல்லவில்லை. ஆனால், தான் ஏன் நாத்தகனானேன் என்பதை விளக்கும் உத்தி மிக பிரமாதம். இறக்க நேரும் முன் பிரார்த்தனை செய் என்று சில ஆஸ்திகர்கள் கூறும் போது, அவர் அதை மறுத்து தைரியத்துடனே துக்குமேடை ஏறியிருக்கிறார்.
May 19, 2014
RUBBISH !!!!!!!!!
October 8, 2017
Way ahead of it's time. Individualistic & frighteningly courageous !
April 19, 2019
Nice emotional outburst at the end instead of sound reasoning.
I was a little disappointed with the arguments provided by Bhagat singh in favour of atheism. I thought a great man like him would have a sane head to tackle an issue like this but anyways i like his honesty.
He himself says,
"As far as I am concerned, I admit that I lack sufficient study in this field. I had a great desire to study the Oriental Philosophy, but I could get ample opportunity or sufficient time to do so."
And then he goes on to challenge and question some popular practices which don't have basis in the puranas and then questions it like a child may question the existence of
a satellite.
And he also writes when he was in Jail,
"My disbelief in God has turned all the circumstances too harsh and this situation can deteriorate further."
Wow! I really love his honesty but can only laugh at the foolishness, why would a man want to aggravate his suffering? Stand by your thoughts if they are really worthy to stand by and if they help the greater masses.
As its famously said "bad association spoils good habits", the same happened with Bhagat Singh it seems by reading books having views of Marx, Communists, dictators, atheists etc but never had the time to read the saints who actually brought a silent revolution in the hearts of people and are still doing it.
I respect a lot his sacrifice as a patriot and i am thankful for it but at the same time as he said i am free to not really agree to his view points and more so when those hardly make sense.
I was a little disappointed with the arguments provided by Bhagat singh in favour of atheism. I thought a great man like him would have a sane head to tackle an issue like this but anyways i like his honesty.
He himself says,
"As far as I am concerned, I admit that I lack sufficient study in this field. I had a great desire to study the Oriental Philosophy, but I could get ample opportunity or sufficient time to do so."
And then he goes on to challenge and question some popular practices which don't have basis in the puranas and then questions it like a child may question the existence of
a satellite.
And he also writes when he was in Jail,
"My disbelief in God has turned all the circumstances too harsh and this situation can deteriorate further."
Wow! I really love his honesty but can only laugh at the foolishness, why would a man want to aggravate his suffering? Stand by your thoughts if they are really worthy to stand by and if they help the greater masses.
As its famously said "bad association spoils good habits", the same happened with Bhagat Singh it seems by reading books having views of Marx, Communists, dictators, atheists etc but never had the time to read the saints who actually brought a silent revolution in the hearts of people and are still doing it.
I respect a lot his sacrifice as a patriot and i am thankful for it but at the same time as he said i am free to not really agree to his view points and more so when those hardly make sense.
April 25, 2020
Actual rating 2.5 /5
This book has dented the image of Bhagat Singh that I had in my mind. Though his contribution towards freedom struggle and my respect towards him will remain intact.
This is the trouble with the youth of India. I was surprised that the current situation has been in existence 90 years back. The youth is moving towards communism which cannot exist in peace with Hindu society. There is no issue in questioning the existence of God but the issue is not pursuing the question for solutions. Not asking the question to the wise and knowledgeable people in the subject. I found that Bhagat Singh did the same. Not a mention in this book where he sought the answers from wise. He rejects philosophy when it comes to Hinduism but doesn't mind to take refuge in it when he finds it convenient.
There are a couple of queries which have ignited my curiosity and I will pursue them till I find satisfactory answers. Unfortunately, because of the critical content on Hinduism, this book has been revered by leftist, communist and anti Hindu. I doubt Bhagat Singh thought about the consequences of what he has written. Don't get me wrong but I am pretty sure Bhagat Singh would have turned India into communist state if he was alive after the independence.
Not worth your time unless you are left leaning.
This book has dented the image of Bhagat Singh that I had in my mind. Though his contribution towards freedom struggle and my respect towards him will remain intact.
This is the trouble with the youth of India. I was surprised that the current situation has been in existence 90 years back. The youth is moving towards communism which cannot exist in peace with Hindu society. There is no issue in questioning the existence of God but the issue is not pursuing the question for solutions. Not asking the question to the wise and knowledgeable people in the subject. I found that Bhagat Singh did the same. Not a mention in this book where he sought the answers from wise. He rejects philosophy when it comes to Hinduism but doesn't mind to take refuge in it when he finds it convenient.
There are a couple of queries which have ignited my curiosity and I will pursue them till I find satisfactory answers. Unfortunately, because of the critical content on Hinduism, this book has been revered by leftist, communist and anti Hindu. I doubt Bhagat Singh thought about the consequences of what he has written. Don't get me wrong but I am pretty sure Bhagat Singh would have turned India into communist state if he was alive after the independence.
Not worth your time unless you are left leaning.
October 21, 2020
I am big fan of Bhagat Singh and admire him lot. I was expecting any specific reason of life changing event who made him atheist, but nothing special. General logic, every other atheist has.
January 12, 2022
কোনো যুক্তি-ই নেই। বরং লেখকের অনেক অন্ধবিশ্বাসের দেখা মিলেছে। অর্থহীন আবেগী বকওয়াজ।
August 5, 2019
TERRIFIC! ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIC
Considering his age and the period he lived (1920s), I am absolutely astounded of his love for reading and the knowledge he had.
Bhagat Singh! Take a Bow!
some Top class statements:
1.Society must fight against this belief in God as it fought against idol worship and other narrow conceptions or religion. in this way man will trying to stand in his feet. Being realistic, he will have to throw his faith aside and face all adversaries with courage and valor. This is exactly my state of mind. My friends, this is not my vanity. It is my mode of thinking that has made me an atheist.
One of my friend said, "when your last days come, you will begin to believe". I said, "No, dear sir, never shall it happen. I consider it to be an act of degradation and demoralization. For such petty selfish notices, I shall never pray".
2. It is necessary for every person who stands for progress to criticize every tenet of old beliefs. Item by item he has to challenge the efficacy of old faith. He has to analyze and understand all the details. Reason is the guiding principle of his life.
3. Merciless criticism and independent thinking are the two necessary traits of revolutionary thinking.
4.'Study more and more', I said to myself so that I might be able to face the arguments of my opponents. Study to support your point of view with convincing arguments. And I began to study in a serious manner. My previous beliefs and convictions underwent a radical change. No more mysticism. No more blind faith. Now realism was our mode of thinking.
Considering his age and the period he lived (1920s), I am absolutely astounded of his love for reading and the knowledge he had.
Bhagat Singh! Take a Bow!
some Top class statements:
1.Society must fight against this belief in God as it fought against idol worship and other narrow conceptions or religion. in this way man will trying to stand in his feet. Being realistic, he will have to throw his faith aside and face all adversaries with courage and valor. This is exactly my state of mind. My friends, this is not my vanity. It is my mode of thinking that has made me an atheist.
One of my friend said, "when your last days come, you will begin to believe". I said, "No, dear sir, never shall it happen. I consider it to be an act of degradation and demoralization. For such petty selfish notices, I shall never pray".
2. It is necessary for every person who stands for progress to criticize every tenet of old beliefs. Item by item he has to challenge the efficacy of old faith. He has to analyze and understand all the details. Reason is the guiding principle of his life.
3. Merciless criticism and independent thinking are the two necessary traits of revolutionary thinking.
4.'Study more and more', I said to myself so that I might be able to face the arguments of my opponents. Study to support your point of view with convincing arguments. And I began to study in a serious manner. My previous beliefs and convictions underwent a radical change. No more mysticism. No more blind faith. Now realism was our mode of thinking.
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