Meet Vidyavathidevi: The Revered 'Punjab Mata' And Unspoken Strength Behind Patriot, Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh's sacrifice will always be remembered by every soul born in the revered land of India. The revolutionary was not just a freedom fighter but a source of inspiration for many. However, did you know who the source of strength was for the braveheart? Let us introduce you to the mother of the revered Bhagat Singh, Vidyavathidevi.

Vidyavathidevi was the mother of Bhagat Singh and the wife of patriot, Sardar Kishan Singh. While the entire family dedicated itself to fighting the battle of independence, it was her firm will and unmovable spirit of patriotism that provided strength to the family. Vidyavathidevi had five sons, Bhagat Singh, Kulbir Singh, Kultar Singh, Ranbir Singh, and Rajendra Singh and three daughters, Amar Kaur, Sumithra, and Shakuntala. All in one way or the other, like true patriots fought the battle of freedom. However, it was their mother, who walked through every difficulty with a smile on her face and determination in her eyes.

Vidyavathidevi got married at an early age and managed her household while the men of her family were in prison

Vidyavathidevi was born in Moranvali, Pubjab, to Varyam Singh, who was a well-known man in the village. However, she was coaxed into an early marriage to Sardar Kishan Singh, who was the son of revolutionary Sardar Arjun Singh. Since she was married into a family of literates, they wanted Vidyavathidevi to be educated as well. However, the brave mother had no interest in studying. After her marriage, she spent some time in Layalpur before moving to Lahore. 

Sardar Kishan Singh was busy fighting for freedom and had no time for his wife, Vidyavathi. She also joined activities connected to the freedom war and would do anything to serve those who were allies with her husband. However, things were not as easy for Vidyavathidevi as her husband was repeatedly convicted and sent to prison. Not only that, her brothers-in-law, Ajit and Swarna Singh, were also in constant police custody as well. 

Vidyavathidevi never wore jewellery after a robbery at her home

Vidyavathidevi had to lead a life without any security or peace. However, determined to support her husband, she spent a lot of time with her parents. Soon, Kishan began to work for an insurance company to support his family, and things got better for them. However, a servant stole their jewels. As a resolution, Vidyavathidevi never wore jewellery again.

Vidyavathi raised Bhagat Singh to follow his father, Kishan Singh's footsteps as a patriot

Vidyavathidevi raised Bhagat Singh to become a patriot and follow in his father's footsteps. As Bhagat raised his voice as a freedom fighter, he soon came to the sight of the crown and was arrested in connection with the bomb episode of 1927. While his sentence only lasted for six months, he soon found himself in Lahore jail months later. Vidyavathidevi, in desire to see her son, walked all the way to Lahore. Bhagat was sentenced to death in 1931. However, his mother was not ready to say goodbye to her son just yet.

In an attempt to save her son, she tried to place the coat of the eldest born near Bhagat Singh, as Vidyavathidevi believed that the coat would keep him free from troubles. Bhagat Singh refused to accept it, for he was ready to sacrifice his life for the country. He told his mother that he would be born again to wear the coat. The brave soul was hanged on March 23, 1931. Vidyavathi suffered alongside her son and, in the back and forth between her home and prison, was bitten by a snake four times. 

Vidyavathidevi's strength in times of distress

Vidyavathidevi was denied to meet her other sons in jail on several occasions, so she created a turmoil that finally allowed her to see them. With her husband, Kishan, sick, her son, Bhagat, martyred, and other family members in prison, times tested her at every turn. However, nothing deterred her spirit from moving forward; Vidyavathi even addressed a public meeting at the Morri Gate, where she revealed that she had never been frightened and would always be ready to sacrifice herself if need be. Even after independence, things did not improve for her; her two other sons were sentenced, and her brothers-in-law were exiled. Three years after the independence, her husband, too, passed away.

Vidyavathidevi and the title of 'Punjab Mata'

Vidyavathidevi met Sri Krishna Saral in 1965, and the poet presented her with a book he had written about the life of Bhagat Singh. However, the bold lady urged him to write a book about Chandrashekhar Azad. In the absence of his mother, Vidyavathi had stepped up for not only Azad but Sukhdev and Rajguru as well. Her innocent request touched Saral's heart, and with tears in his eyes, he marked her forehead with blood and promised to fulfil her wish, which he eventually did. Vidyavathi was also present at the centenary of the First War of Indian Independence in New Delhi in 1957. During her appearance, she stated: 

"Who can say that Bhagat Singh is no more? As long as I am alive, Bhagat will be always with me. When I die, I shall join him."

Despite her failing health, Vidyavathidevi attended meetings across India. Her devotion towards the country and its people earned her the title of 'Punjab Mata' by the government of Punjab on January 1, 1973. Her every appearance left the crowds overflowed with patriotic fervour. She lived for her country and joined her son in 1975, passing the reigns of the country's future to the youth. For the unversed, according to her last wish, Vidyavathidevi was cremated at Hussainiwala on the banks of River Sutlej, the same place where Bhagat was secretively cremated by the British.

Vidyavathidevi and her family's sacrifice and patriotism will remain etched on every Indian's heart till the end of time.

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