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A review by akanksha
Why I Am An Atheist: An Autobiographical Discourse by Bhagat Singh
5.0
This pamphlet ended up being an amazing surprise. Usually, when we talk about Bhagat Singh, we only refer to him as a martyr, with little thought about his ideology. The glorification of the sacrifice of freedom fighters ironically undermines them as individuals whose struggle was more than their martyrdom. Bhagat Singh especially, is a controversial figure because of his revolutionary ideas that often ran against Gandhi's ideas. His leftist leaning still makes our leaders uncomfortable. This work offers us a glimpse into some of those ideas.
As the title suggests, Singh explains his position as an atheist, a very radical position to take at a time when most political leaders, especially revolutionaries awaiting execution took refuge in religious and spiritual mysticism to console their soul. The fact that Bhagat Singh, who wrote this treatise in his last days, chose to consciously reject this refuge in religion indicates the solidity of his arguments.
Bhagat Singh's approach in this work is rational and scientific. He not only enumerates the exploitative aspects of religion, but also gives a sympathetic glimpse into the motivations of the believers. He lays stress on the significance of thinking and criticising everything, including one's own position. This seminal work is especially relevant to the current times when there is an attempt to polarise people along imagined lines to serve an imagined God.
As the title suggests, Singh explains his position as an atheist, a very radical position to take at a time when most political leaders, especially revolutionaries awaiting execution took refuge in religious and spiritual mysticism to console their soul. The fact that Bhagat Singh, who wrote this treatise in his last days, chose to consciously reject this refuge in religion indicates the solidity of his arguments.
Bhagat Singh's approach in this work is rational and scientific. He not only enumerates the exploitative aspects of religion, but also gives a sympathetic glimpse into the motivations of the believers. He lays stress on the significance of thinking and criticising everything, including one's own position. This seminal work is especially relevant to the current times when there is an attempt to polarise people along imagined lines to serve an imagined God.