Reception for Prof. Jagmohan Singh, Nephew of Shaheed Bhagat Singh

Over 80 prominent Indian Americans gathered at MINT Restaurant to honor Professor Jagmohan Singh, nephew of Shaheed Bhagat Singh - the revolutionary martyr who shook the foundations of British colonial rule in India and inspired generations to fight for freedom. The event was organized by Varinder Bhalla, Chairman and Founder of the Coalition of Indian American Associations of New York (CIONY)and supported by the American Punjabi Society.

The evening began with a short video on the life and legacy of Bhagat Singh, originally hosted by Dr. Riti Sunshine Bhalla in 2010 when she was a high school student. This television segment, scripted and produced by Varinder Bhalla, was telecast on several channels across the United States and Europe and featured appearances by U.S. Congressmen, Senators, and Governors, underlining its historical significance.

Harry Singh Bollawho hails from a village close to Bhagat Singh’s ancestral home, was the event sponsor.In his keynote remarks, he recounted how he has been influenced by Bhagat Singh’s life and legacy.

Following introductory remarks by Bhalla, Professor Jagmohan Singh captivated the audience with a deeply personal narrative. Son of Bhagat Singh’s younger sister, Bibi Amar Kaur,he devoted his life to preserving and promoting the ideals and principles of his legendary uncle. Through his tireless efforts, Bhagat Singh’s story is not just preserved in history books but kept alive in the hearts of new generations.

Singh recounted his meetings with several of Bhagat Singh’s close associates who also fought valiantly for India’s independence. He shared emotional recollections of Bhagat Singh’s final days - his deeply moving conversations with his mother and father, and the remarkable inner strength he displayed as he faced the gallows.

In a poignant revelation, Professor Singh described how his own mother was imprisoned for her role in the independence movement, and how, as a one-year-old infant, he spent a full year in jail alongside her.

The evening concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session led by Varinder Bhalla. Among the most compelling moments was when Bhalla asked how Bhagat Singh felt in his final hours before being hanged, and about the ideological differences with his father, who had sought clemency to save his son’s life. Professor Singh’s answers left the audience deeply moved and inspired.