Acharya Prashant discusses the life and sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, responding to a questioner who feels inspired yet conflicted. The speaker begins by quoting Bhagat Singh, who said, "The British will not hang me; they will hang the hero of the country at this moment." He further explained that his life would not be as useful to the country as his death would be. This was not a result of being caught by chance while planting a bomb; it was a deliberate plan. When his family brought a girl for him to marry, he replied, "I am already married." The speaker emphasizes that for such individuals, neither dying nor living is important; what is important is their goal. The speaker addresses the questioner's feeling of being a mere pawn and the constant thought of "What's in it for me?" by contrasting it with Bhagat Singh's selflessness. He explains the Upanishadic concept that the remainder of the complete is also complete, meaning in the game of the infinite, even a pawn is infinite. He points out the difference between the questioner's self-centered concerns and Bhagat Singh's focus on his cause. Bhagat Singh's argument for choosing the gallows was strategic. He knew that his long trial was getting extensive media coverage, and he had become a hero in the eyes of the nation. He believed that if he lived, his image might get tarnished over time, but dying at that peak moment would ignite a revolution. His death would be more impactful than his life. This was a calculated decision made with great awareness and thought. Acharya Prashant explains that this level of dedication comes from a deep love or devotion (Aashiqui) for a cause, which becomes more important than one's own life. He uses the example of Bhagat Singh considering freedom as his bride. This is the kind of love needed. The speaker clarifies that doing good work is its own reward, leading to a good life. The reward for engaging in a great cause is that one's life is spent well, free from the torment of a meaningless existence. When one is engrossed in such work, they are not available for the suffering that life brings. The work itself is the joy, and there is no need to ask for anything in return. The speaker also mentions Batukeshwar Dutt, who felt insulted for not receiving the death penalty alongside Bhagat Singh, highlighting the same spirit of sacrifice. He recounts how, after India's independence, Batukeshwar Dutt was suffering from cancer, and it was Bhagat Singh's mother who helped with his treatment expenses. Batukeshwar Dutt's last wish was to be cremated next to Bhagat Singh's memorial. This is what one should ask for oneself: that even in death, one remains in the company of the great.
