A Letter from a Theist to an Atheist: In Devotion to Shaheed Bhagat Singh

I just finished reading “Why I Am an Atheist” by Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

When writing this, I feel at the time many would have thought the personality of this man is so very different from his name “Bhagat”.

The name Bhagat typically evokes the image of a devoted soul—one who serves God with deep emotion and unwavering faith. However, there is this very contrasting personality of Bhagat Singh, questioning the very existence of God and a view point rooted in clarity, courage and integrity, often hard earned through doubt.

Essence of Bhagat:

To me, if you look closely, he represents what the name “Bhagat” truly stands for. Devotion, Servitude and courage.

Devotion to the cause of freedom which best termed as “Swaraj”. Servitude to the people of the country and Courage to fight for their rights.

A true devotee who sacrificed his life to ignite revolution in the minds of the masses.

Revolution, not just freedom:

“Swaraj” an idea rooted in the legacy of great leaders like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj; was given a radical and revolutionary edge by Shaheed Bhagat Singh and his comrades, who envisioned not just political freedom but a complete transformation of society. At a time when many within the Congress were negotiating for Dominion Status, they called for true independence - of both thought and nation.

Greats such as Bhagat Singh (I put his name in front as he is the inspiration for this article), Shaheed Shivaram Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar, Shaheed Chandrashekhar Azad (most commonly known names) worked hard to promote revolutionary ideals among the youth of the time and encourage the idea of “Swaraj”.

Atheism and Clarity:

Bhagat Singh calls himself an atheist through out the essay, after all Atheism finds freedom in questioning, in doubting and finding the answers yourself, it is a lonely, however, a clear-sighted path as he describes.

My Letter to Shaheed Bhagat Singh:

Dear Sir, allow me to refute you on this point and put forth my argument. This is my personal view only based on the limited understanding of history, politics and religion that I hold.

To me, despite the claims of being an atheist, you are a theist in his truest form.

Theism signifies comfort through belonging to a tradition, a god, exploring the mystery of the universe. A theist believes in their god and works tirelessly to appease their beloved deity.

Your devotion to the revolution:

Tell me, is there a greater devotion than the devotion to your motherland, a greater emotion of service than the will to serve all your people without discrimination and courage to stand upon your belief come what may. The only difference – their belief in God while you believed in a bright future of our great nation and worked tirelessly for your ideal.

My final argument:

You sir were a believer and a strong proponent of Swaraj. Swaraj to you was not just passing on the baton from the British imperialists to Indian elites, you championed the ideas of a socialist economy and equality for all.

It was this belief for which you put forth your life and attained martyrdom. Your struggles whilst in Jail, in the face of adversity to stand true to your ideals is this not truly a “Bhagat’s” duty?

So dear sir, forgive me for saying so but in my eyes, you are the essence of the name Bhagat and its meaning.

As a person who identifies as a theist, I believe we can learn a lot from your life and the devotion to achieve your goals. It is my sincere wish that we as an individual and as a country we can one day truly be worthy of you and your comrades sacrifice.

A Revolution, a Hope within:

To me Shaheed Bhagat Singh symbolizes the revolution needed within, a radical change for personal growth to achieve one’s goal. Only through individual hard work and integrity can we expect to contribute to the collective consciousness and

Inquilaab Zindabad!

Gregor Samsa and the Dharma of Suffering By Hema Jethwani

Most readers are already familiar with the plot of The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.
Its common interpretations explore themes of alienation, capitalism, and existentialism.
However, for me, the tale of Gregor is more about spiritual endurance, unconditional duty, love, and detachment from the self.
The story begins with Gregor already transformed into an insect. There’s no horror or panic in him, no questioning of why or how this has happened. He simply accepts it—with quiet determination—and continues to focus on one goal: to provide for his family, no matter the situation.
He doesn’t stop to consider how his family might react or wonder if they could help him. He isn’t worried about the chief clerk either. In his mind, once he explains the delay, all will be well, and he can still make it for the 8 o’clock train.
To Gregor, his thoughts remain clear. But to others, his voice is just incomprehensible noise. They do not see a man—they see only a monster.
Yet there is no rebellion in him—not in word, not in action, not even in thought.
Has he resigned himself to his fate? Or is this the expression of his deep capacity to endure suffering without losing sight of his love and duty toward his family?
Even in this condition, Gregor thinks of how to make life easier for his sister, who brings him food. He longs to see his mother. He hides under a sheet just so she won't be distressed by his appearance. When she faints upon seeing him, he feels no anger—only understanding.
As his sister begins to tire of caring for him, as the family grows indifferent, Gregor accepts it all. No bitterness. No resentment. Just a quiet desire not to burden them further.
When he overhears them speaking of being "done" with him, when even his mother offers no protest, he makes no sound. He doesn’t blame them. He simply resigns himself and quietly breathes his last.
To me, this story reflects not the inhumanity of Gregor’s condition, but the lack of humanity in those around him. Gregor, despite his appearance, never loses his kindness or sense of duty.
This is the essence of spiritual endurance as understood in Indian philosophy—where suffering, if borne with grace, becomes a path to liberation. While Western readings may interpret the story as absurd or bleak, I see in it a quiet transcendence, an echo of the Indian concept of dharma.
Gregor Samsa’s journey—his refusal of food, detachment from the world, silent suffering, and peaceful death—mirrors the quiet path of the yogi or sanyasi, who renounces the world with no regret or resentment.