Why I Am An Atheist and Other Works

by Bhagat Singh

In the fight for India’s independence, Bhagat Singh stands out not only as a resolute revolutionary, but also as a critical thinker. Why I Am An Atheist and Other Works offers a compelling glimpse into his intellectual rigor and unyielding spirit. This collection of essays, letters, and speeches span from introspective essays such as ‘Why I Am An Atheist’, to his reflections on his involvement in the Central Legislative Assembly bombing. Singh’s writings reveal his deep commitment to justice and bold stance against the status quo that continue to inspire generations.
With an introduction by esteemed historian and expert on Bhagat Singh, Dr. S. Irfan Habib, this edition provides a unique opportunity to explore the mind of a martyr whose legacy continues to inspire and provoke thought.

Genres: History

160 pages, Paperback

Published February 11, 2025

About the author

Bhagat Singh was an Indian socialist considered to be one of the most influential revolutionaries of the Indian independence movement. He is often referred to as "Shaheed Bhagat Singh", the word "Shaheed" meaning "martyr" in a number of South Asian and Middle Eastern languages. Born into a Sikh family which had earlier been involved in revolutionary activities against the British Raj, as a teenager Singh studied European revolutionary movements and was attracted to anarchist and Marxist ideologies. He became involved in numerous revolutionary organisations, and quickly rose through the ranks of the Hindustan Republican Association (HRA) to become one of its main leaders, eventually changing its name to the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA) in 1928.

Reviews

[Max Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title essay was very good. I enjoyed the discussion on how religion arises from a physiological and sociological perspective. My only critique is that he opened himself up to the 'we don't know God's plan / we can't fully understand God' rebuttal during his discussion of God's lack of interdiction in human suffering. But it's futile to argue against that premise and he still needed to mention the lack of involvement to drive at his points.

In addition to the title essay, I enjoyed reading "When Sukhdev Thought of Suicide" and "To Young Political Workers." And the essay title “Don’t Hang Us; Shoot Us” hits hard.

I could do without all the other essays.

[Ashish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A glimpse into the life of Bhagat Singh, the Great. I was surprised by his historical contribution at such a tender age. At the age of 23 , singh the great devoured almost all major literary works and created his own framework of the values , even at the metre of socialism or communism, his ideas are quite impressive and in sync with the Indian environment. This book is a compilation of his letters, speech and statement given in his proceedings. A quick read..

[Jaymin Parmar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today marks the 95th anniversary of the martyrdom of Bhagat Singh and his comrades, Sukhdev and Rajguru. He was only 23 years old. I recently read a collection of Bhagat Singh’s essays and letters. Among them, “Why I Am an Atheist” stands out for its clarity and thoughtful explanation of atheism and his journey towards it. His two letters to Sukhdev—one on love and the other on suicide—are also particularly engaging.

These writings reveal him as a serious reader and a deep thinker, especially on the idea of revolution. His ideas on revolution are ones to read extensively for sure. I think people who haven’t read these writings or hear about them doesn’t understand him as a person. A person with ideas and goal in mind to reconstruct Indian society. His thinking, even in that era, reflects a remarkably progressive outlook. It is difficult to say how many in today’s youth would truly grasp the depth of his perspective.

[vitasta · Rating 5 out of 5]

pats on my back for choosing to read a stellar 23 year old the week i turn 23. inspiring, angering and makes me want to keep going.

[Dhinesh SDK · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about a revolutionary radical reformer and his ill fate