No Hanging, Please Shoot Us

No Hanging, Please Shoot Us is a powerful collection centered on the writings, statements, and final appeals of Bhagat Singh during the last phase of his life. The title comes from his historic request to the British authorities that he and his fellow revolutionaries be executed by firing squad rather than by hanging, as they regarded themselves as soldiers engaged in a struggle for India's freedom. Through letters, petitions, and reflective essays, the book offers readers a deeply personal understanding of Bhagat Singh's ideals, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice.

Rather than presenting him only as a fearless revolutionary, the book reveals Bhagat Singh as a thoughtful intellectual who believed that true freedom required not only political independence but also social equality, education, and the end of exploitation. His writings explore themes such as patriotism, sacrifice, human dignity, secularism, and the responsibility of young people to challenge injustice. Even while facing certain death, he expresses remarkable clarity of thought, emotional strength, and concern for the future of his country rather than for his own fate.

Written in direct and accessible language, the collection provides valuable insight into the philosophy that guided one of India's most admired freedom fighters. It highlights the moral conviction and selfless spirit that shaped his actions, while also placing his words within the broader context of the Indian independence movement. More than a historical document, No Hanging, Please Shoot Us is an inspiring testament to courage, idealism, and the enduring power of principles in the face of oppression.

Bhagat Singh (1907-31) was a revolutionary in the Indian independence struggle. Post his graduation, he worked as a writer and editor for Punjabi and Urdu newspapers, advocating Marxist theories. Having popularized the phrase ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ or ‘Long live the revolution!’, he was later given death penalty for the murder of an English officer.