Freedom Fighters · Revolutionaries
Shaheed Shivaram Hari Rajguru
1908 – 1931
A young revolutionary from Maharashtra who stood with his comrades to the very end.
Shivaram Rajguru was a member of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association who took part in the 1928 Lahore action in which police officer John Saunders was killed. He was executed with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev on 23 March 1931.
Early life and background
Born in Khed near Pune, Rajguru studied Sanskrit and spent time in Varanasi, where he came into contact with revolutionaries from northern India.
Historical context
He joined the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association and became close to Bhagat Singh and Chandrashekhar Azad.
Key achievements
Rajguru took part in the 17 December 1928 action in Lahore in which Assistant Superintendent of Police John Saunders was shot dead, in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. He evaded arrest for some months before being captured in 1929.
Important events and milestones
- 17 December 1928 Takes part in the Lahore action.
- 1929 Arrested.
- 7 October 1930 Sentenced to death in the Lahore Conspiracy Case.
- 23 March 1931 Executed in Lahore Central Jail.
Awards and honours
Khed was renamed Rajgurunagar. He is remembered on Shaheed Diwas (23 March) and at the National Martyrs Memorial, Hussainiwala.
His sacrifice
Rajguru was hanged in Lahore Central Jail on 23 March 1931 with Bhagat Singh and Sukhdev. He was twenty-two.
Enduring legacy
Rajguru’s life links the revolutionary movements of Maharashtra and Punjab and reflects how the freedom struggle drew young people from every part of India.
References
- Wikipedia — Shivaram Rajguru (with cited sources) (opens in a new tab)
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Bhagat Singh (Lahore Conspiracy Case) (opens in a new tab)
Portrait: Photograph · Unknown · Public domain · Source (opens in a new tab)
This account is compiled from the sources listed and is offered as a tribute, not as an official record. Corrections are welcome at connect@vedacloud.ai.