The Unsung Hero Behind Bhagat Singh's Revolutionary Ideas

This article delves into the life of Sohan Singh Josh, the influential editor behind Bhagat Singh's revolutionary ideas. While Bhagat Singh is celebrated for his bravery, Josh's role in shaping his thoughts and political ideology is often overlooked. From his early life in Punjab to his leadership of the radical publication Kirti, Josh's contributions to the Indian independence movement are significant yet largely forgotten. The piece highlights the importance of remembering those who supported and guided the martyrs, ensuring their legacies endure beyond their sacrifices.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2026, 14:22 IST

Remembering Bhagat Singh and His Influencer

Bhagat Singh is often remembered for his bravery and sacrifice at the young age of twenty-three, but the narrative frequently overlooks the pivotal role of a lesser-known figure in his journey. This figure is Sohan Singh Josh, the editor of a small Punjabi publication that provided a platform for Singh's revolutionary thoughts while he wrote under a pseudonym to evade colonial authorities. Without Josh's editorial guidance, Bhagat Singh might have been remembered solely for his violent actions rather than his profound ideas.

Who Was Sohan Singh Josh?

Born in 1898 in Chetanpura, Amritsar, Josh was the son of a farmer who aspired for his son’s education despite the lack of nearby schools. He began his education late, eventually completing his matriculation and briefly attending Khalsa College in Amritsar before financial constraints forced him to leave. He worked in Bombay as a mail censor before returning home to teach. His political activism began in 1921 with the Akali movement aimed at liberating Sikh shrines from corrupt management, which led to his first imprisonment for opposing British rule. By the mid-1920s, his political stance shifted towards supporting the working class and advocating for revolutionary change.

The Significance of Kirti

What Was Kirti, and Why Did It Matter?

In February 1926, Santokh Singh, a veteran of the Ghadar movement, launched a monthly publication named Kirti, meaning 'labourer.' This communist-oriented journal was funded by the Ghadar Party from the United States and focused on advocating for workers' and peasants' rights. Following Singh's death from tuberculosis the next year, Sohan Singh Josh assumed the role of editor. Under his leadership, Kirti evolved into a significant radical publication in Punjab, often facing censorship from colonial authorities, which forced its writers, including Josh, to use pseudonyms.

Bhagat Singh's Editorial Journey

How Did Kirti Become Bhagat Singh's Platform?

In 1926, a young revolutionary named Bhagat Singh connected with Josh and joined Kirti's editorial board. He immersed himself in writing about revolution, the Kakori martyrs, and social issues like communal hatred and untouchability, often using the pen name Vidrohi, meaning 'the Rebel.' Kirti became the primary outlet for Singh's ideas, transforming him from a daring individual into a serious political thinker. However, the risks were significant; in 1927, an article published in Kirti provided the British with grounds to arrest him.

The Impact of Josh on Bhagat Singh

Did Josh Shape Bhagat Singh, Or The Other Way Round?

Josh was more than just an editor; he played a crucial role in transforming Bhagat Singh from a romantic idealist into a dedicated Marxist. Revolutionary Shiv Verma acknowledged Josh's influence, along with National College principal Chhabil Das, in guiding Singh and his peers from vague anarchist beliefs towards socialism. Both men collaborated in the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, a militant youth organization founded by Singh, where Josh was elected president in 1929.

Josh's Sacrifices and Legacy

What Did His Loyalty Cost Him?

Josh faced significant consequences for his loyalty. In March 1929, he was arrested during the Meerut Conspiracy Case, a sweeping effort by the colonial government to dismantle the communist movement, resulting in nearly five years of imprisonment. After his release in 1933, he joined the Communist Party of India, edited various publications, and was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly, dedicating his life to advocating for workers and peasants. Despite his contributions, he remained largely unrecognized and unsung, much like the publication he once led.

The Importance of Remembering Sohan Singh Josh

Why Should We Remember Sohan Singh Josh?

It is essential to remember figures like Josh, who, unlike martyrs, often fade from collective memory despite their significant contributions. In his later years, Josh wrote a book titled My Meetings with Bhagat Singh, ensuring that the revolutionary he helped shape would be remembered for his intellect as well as his bravery. Josh passed away in 1982, largely uncelebrated, yet every time Bhagat Singh is recognized as a thinker, the influence of the editor who nurtured those thoughts is quietly acknowledged.