Udham Singh (born Sher Singh; December 26, 1899 – July 31, 1940) was a prominent Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter, best known for avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O'Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of Punjab, in London in 1940.
Early Life and the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
Born in Sunam, Punjab, Udham Singh was orphaned at a young age and raised in an orphanage in Amritsar. He was present at Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919, when British troops, under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, opened fire on a peaceful gathering of unarmed civilians. This horrific event, which resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries, deeply affected Singh and instilled in him a lifelong resolve to seek justice.
Revolutionary Path and Assassination of O'Dwyer
Inspired by other revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh became involved with the Ghadar Party, an organization dedicated to overthrowing British rule in India. He traveled extensively, working to galvanize support for the independence movement.
His primary goal, however, remained to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. After years of planning and travel, Udham Singh finally confronted Michael O'Dwyer, who had endorsed Dyer's actions during the massacre, at Caxton Hall in London on March 13, 1940. Singh shot O'Dwyer, killing him instantly.
Trial and Legacy
Udham Singh was arrested and tried for murder. During his trial, he famously used the name "Ram Mohammad Singh Azad," symbolizing the unity of different religious communities in India and his anti-colonial sentiment. He was convicted and subsequently hanged at Pentonville Prison in London on July 31, 1940.
Udham Singh is revered in India as a martyr and a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression. His act of revenge, though delayed, brought a sense of closure to many who suffered due to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. He is often referred to as "Shaheed-i-Azam Sardar Udham Singh" (the great martyr). A district in Uttarakhand, India, is named Udham Singh Nagar in his honor.
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