Some slogans transcend the eras in which they were born, becoming timeless symbols of resistance, change and justice. One such rallying cry is Inquilab Zindabad, which means ‘Long Live Revolution.’ Coined by Maulana Hasrat Mohani in 1921, this slogan has echoed through generations, inspiring freedom fighters, social reformers and revolutionaries to challenge inequality and oppression. As Bangladesh reflects on its July Revolution of 2024, which saw the fall of the Awami League’s 16-year autocratic rule, it is worth revisiting the origins and significance of this powerful slogan and exploring how it remains deeply relevant today.
Maulana Hasrat Mohani, a revolutionary poet and political leader, first used the term Inquilab Zindabad during India’s freedom struggle. Born in 1875 in Mohan, Uttar Pradesh, Hasrat Mohani was a multi-faceted figure: a poet of Urdu ghazals, a scholar and a relentless advocate for social justice. He was among the earliest to demand Purna Swaraj (complete independence) from the British colonial rule, doing so at the 1921 Ahmedabad session of the Indian National Congress.
Hasrat Mohani’s call for revolution was rooted in his belief in socio-economic justice. Inspired by the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, he envisioned a world free from exploitation and inequality. For him, revolution was not merely about political upheaval but about dismantling systems of oppression and creating a just society.
While Hasrat Mohani coined the slogan, it gained prominence through the efforts of Bhagat Singh and his comrades in the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. For Bhagat Singh, revolution was not just about overthrowing British rule; it was about transforming society itself. As he famously stated, ‘Revolution is not a culture of bomb and pistol… Our meaning of revolution is to change the present conditions, which are based on manifest injustice.’
Bhagat Singh and his associates used Inquilab Zindabad as a war cry during key moments of their struggle. The most iconic instance was on April 8, 1929, when Bhagat Singh and BK Dutt threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly to protest repressive laws. They shouted Inquilab Zindabad and threw leaflets explaining their actions, declaring, ‘Our sole purpose was to make the deaf hear and give the heedless a timely warning.’
This slogan, coupled with the sacrifices of revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Ram Prasad Bismil, and Ashfaqullah Khan, became a powerful symbol of resistance. It was not just a call for independence but a vision for a society free from class distinctions, communal divisions and exploitation.
Fast forward to 2024, and Inquilab Zindabad continues to resonate in the collective consciousness of people fighting against various forms of injustice. Its essence transcends geographical boundaries and historical contexts, making it a universal anthem for change. In Bangladesh, the slogan gained renewed significance during the July Revolution of 2024, a historic moment when students, workers, and ordinary citizens united to topple a corrupt and autocratic regime. The revolution, which was marked by peaceful protests, mass uprisings, and a remarkable decision by the military to stand with the people rather than oppress them, echoed the ideals encapsulated in Inquilab Zindabad.
This revolution was not just a political upheaval; it was a cry for justice, accountability, and a new social order. It reflected the spirit of Bhagat Singh’s vision: a longing for a ‘change for the better’ and the dismantling of systems of oppression.
The enduring power of Inquilab Zindabad lies in its ability to adapt to new contexts. Whether it was the fight against British colonialism in India or the demand for democratic reforms in Bangladesh, the slogan has consistently symbolised the collective aspiration for justice and equality.
In the case of the July Revolution, the slogan’s relevance was amplified by the socio-political landscape of Bangladesh. For years, the Awami League government had been accused of stifling dissent, undermining democratic institutions and perpetuating economic inequality. The July Revolution brought together diverse groups — students, workers, and civil society — in a unified demand for change, embodying the true spirit of Inquilab Zindabad.
While political change was a significant outcome of the July Revolution, the journey towards a just and equitable society is far from over. Bhagat Singh’s warning against ‘partial, exclusively political revolutions’ serves as a reminder that true progress requires addressing deep-seated socio-economic inequalities.
In Bangladesh, this means tackling issues such as wealth disparity, corruption, and systemic discrimination. It also involves fostering communal harmony and ensuring that marginalised groups have a voice in shaping the nation’s future. These are the ideals that Inquilab Zindabad champions — ideals that remain as relevant today as they were a century ago.
The message of Inquilab Zindabad is not confined to South Asia. Around the world, people continue to struggle against various forms of injustice — be it racial inequality in the United States, economic disparity in Latin America, or the fight for democratic rights in autocratic regimes. In each of these struggles, the spirit of Inquilab lives on, reminding us that revolution is not an end in itself but a means to create a more just and equitable world.
As we reflect on the significance of Inquilab Zindabad in 2024, it becomes clear that this slogan is more than just a historical relic. It is a living testament to the human spirit’s capacity to resist oppression and strive for justice. Whether it is the legacy of Bhagat Singh and Hasrat Mohani or the courage of those who participated in the July Revolution of Bangladesh, Inquilab Zindabad continues to inspire generations to fight for a better future.
In a world still plagued by inequality, exploitation and injustice, the call for revolution remains as urgent as ever. As Bhagat Singh eloquently put it, ‘The old order should change, always and ever, yielding place to new.’ Inquilab Zindabad will stay relevant as long as there are people willing to challenge the status quo and work toward a more just and equitable society. Long live revolution!
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HM Nazmul Alam is a lecturer in English and modern languages at the International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology.
