Under UGC's scheme of Epoch making-Social Thinkers of India, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Study Centre (SBSSC) has been established at Arya College, Ludhiana.
It is the second of its kind in India, the first being in BR Ambedkar University, Aurangabad in Maharashtra.
Various other specialised centers under the scheme for Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, BR Ambedkar and many others have also been established in various parts of the country.
A library based with collection of books and e-resources pertaining to Shaheed Bhagat Singh and other prominent revolutionaries of India have been set up in the centre. The centre has also been equipped with audio visual devices and internet connected computer terminals.
Director of SBSSC Prof PS Bhogal said the centre was established in March 2015 and a certified course will start in November.
He said, "Anybody who has the ability to read and write can get enrolled for a three-month course, which will start in November. There are no eligibility criteria and no qualification required."
He informed that main objectives of setting up the centre were to enable research about Indian revolutionaries with special emphasis on Shaheed Bhagat Singh, followed by an extension education programme that involves making the public aware about the revolutionaries, their backgrounds and most importantly their intellect.
{{/usCountry}}He informed that main objectives of setting up the centre were to enable research about Indian revolutionaries with special emphasis on Shaheed Bhagat Singh, followed by an extension education programme that involves making the public aware about the revolutionaries, their backgrounds and most importantly their intellect.
{{/usCountry}}He said, "We did a talk show programme on FM Gold and also went to several schools to enlighten the students about the revolutionaries who had a big role to play in the struggle for freedom. The most exciting part is that students are thrilled by Bhagat Singh and his thoughts and not be forgotten, his extra ordinary intellect."
He added, "Through the movies and the books and the news about Bhagat Singh, an image has formed in the minds of the people that needs to be replaced. That image projects Bhagat Singh as a violent revolutionary and a communist while this is not true. Bhagta Singh resorted to violence only when he did not have any other option left to him."
SBSSC has a director and a research associate and guest faculty that has been hired to change the mindsets of the people and teach them the facts about revolutionaries and instill in them feeling of patriotism.
"We need to reintroduce the legacy of the revolutionaries and also sensitise the younger generation about their social responsibilities towards their fellow humans," said Bhogal.