As India observes Shaheed Diwas on March 23, 2025, the nation pauses to pay tribute to Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Hari Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, three young revolutionaries whose fearless actions and ultimate sacrifice left a lasting imprint on India’s freedom struggle.

While their execution in 1931 by the British shocked and enraged a nation, it also ignited a deeper resistance across India. Their legacy continues to live on through the pages of books that provide deeper insights into their philosophy, struggle, and courage.

This Shaheed Diwas, take a moment to explore some of the most compelling books written on these martyrs — from jail diaries and biographies to powerful essays that highlight their ideological depth.

Books to read on Shaheed Diwas 2025:

1. Jail Diary of Bhagat Singh

A deeply personal account of Bhagat Singh’s days behind bars, this diary captures his revolutionary thoughts, political ideology, and emotional strength. It reveals how even in captivity, he remained unwavering in his belief in India’s freedom.

2. Mere Bhaee Shaheed Sukhdev (Biography)

Written by Sukhdev Thapar’s own brother, this biography offers a unique and intimate look into Sukhdev’s life, the struggles faced by his family, and his invaluable contribution to India’s freedom movement.

3. Why I Am an Atheist | Letters & Jail Diary of Bhagat Singh on Revolution, Religion & Politics

This collection of Bhagat Singh’s essays showcases his rational thinking and progressive ideology. His famous piece “Why I Am an Atheist” challenges blind faith and reflects his sharp political and philosophical mind.

4. Shaheed-E-Watan Rajguru (Hindi)

Dedicated to Shivaram Hari Rajguru, this Hindi biography details his role in the Hindustan Socialist Republican Army (HSRA) and how he fought alongside Bhagat Singh. A must-read to understand the lesser-known hero of India’s independence story.

5. Amar Shaheed Bhagat Singh: A Tale

A narrative-driven book that brings alive the bravery and ideology of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev. It highlights their firm belief in the cause of freedom and their readiness to die for it.

These books not only educate but also inspire, offering readers a chance to engage with the thoughts and ideals that shaped India’s revolutionary path. Shaheed Diwas is more than just a remembrance—it’s a call to revisit and reflect on the lives that helped shape modern India.

US President Donald Trump has expressed surprise upon learning that NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who endured an extended nine-month stint aboard the International Space Station (ISS), hadn’t received overtime pay.

Addressing reporters at a White House briefing, Trump even floated the idea of covering the costs himself, after the reporter highlighted that the duo were owed $1,430—$5 daily for 286 days.

“Nobody told me about this. If it comes to it, I’ll pay it from my own pocket, alright? I’ll sort it for them,” Trump declared, visibly taken aback. “Is that it? That’s peanuts for what they’ve been through,” he added, marvelling at the modest sum given their ordeal.

The astronauts, including Williams and Wilmore, alongside Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, returned to Earth on Wednesday via SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, splashing down off Tallahassee, Florida.

Trump showered praise on SpaceX chief Elon Musk for the rescue. “Thank heavens for Elon. Without him, who knows how long they’d have been stuck up there?” he remarked, crediting Musk’s ingenuity for their safe return.

For Williams and Wilmore, seasoned test pilots for Boeing’s Starliner capsule, what began as an eight-day mission ballooned into over nine months due to technical snags—helium leaks and thruster glitches—that rendered their craft unfit for the journey back.

The Starliner returned empty in September 2024, leaving them reliant on SpaceX. Trump underscored the physical toll of prolonged space stays. “After nine or ten months, the body starts breaking down—bones, blood, the works. It gets grim beyond 14 months. Without Elon, they’d be in a fix,” he said.

In a tangent, Trump drew parallels between Musk’s challenges and his own, claiming Tesla faced vandalism akin to the 6 January 2021 riots. “Elon’s had his share of trouble too,” he noted, blending admiration with a touch of defiance.

The buzz around Mahesh Babu’s debut look from the highly anticipated film SSMB 29 has captivated audiences online, becoming a viral hit. Recently unveiled, this sneak peek into his character has ignited excitement, and it coincides with the release of Priyanka Chopra’s first poster for the movie, which is also stirring interest. Fans are curious about the roles of these prominent stars in SS Rajamouli’s ambitious project.

SSMB 29 is positioning itself as one of the most eagerly awaited films in Indian cinema. With visionary filmmaker SS Rajamouli directing and featuring stars like Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, it promises to be a spectacular hit. Whether your preference lies in gripping action, compelling drama, or visually breathtaking cinema, SSMB 29 is expected to cater to a wide array of audiences.

SSMB 29, directed by SS Rajamouli, is garnering significant attention within the Indian film industry. The film has sparked immense intrigue since its announcement, particularly under the direction of Rajamouli, known for his masterful works such as Baahubali and RRR, which are celebrated for their grand visual storytelling. Expectations for SSMB 29 are sky-high.

Mahesh Babu, a beloved figure in Telugu cinema, leads the cast, and anticipation is building around his collaboration with Rajamouli. Priyanka Chopra’s involvement adds a layer of global appeal—her recently released poster hints at a thrilling and strong role that leaves fans questioning what to expect from her performance.

When Mahesh Babu’s character look was revealed, it sparked immediate excitement across various social media platforms. The image presents him in a rugged and intense persona, diverging from his known polished appearance. Fans quickly speculated about his character’s nature—pondering whether he plays a soldier, a warrior, or a figure with a rich backstory. This initial impression has led to vibrant discussions about character complexity and film potential.

Mahesh Babu has a knack for selecting roles that deeply resonate with viewers. His charm and acting prowess make him a fitting choice for a film helmed by SS Rajamouli, who is renowned for crafting strong, emotionally rich characters amidst stunning settings. It appears Mahesh Babu is set to continue this tradition in SSMB 29.

Adding to the fervour around SSMB 29 is Priyanka Chopra’s striking poster. Having established her presence in both Hollywood and Bollywood, she is expected to portray a character packed with dynamism, reflective of the film’s overarching excitement.

In her poster, Priyanka is depicted in an assertive, action-ready position, indicating that her character is likely vibrant and engaging. Her presence in the film isn’t just significant for her acting talent but also for the international recognition she brings to the project.

SSMB 29 is being filmed across multiple locations in India, with a significant portion taking place in Odisha’s Koraput region. The picturesque landscapes and vibrant natural beauty of this area provide an ideal setting for Rajamouli’s grand vision. This choice of shooting location has piqued the curiosity of fans, hinting at the film’s large-scale production.

There’s great anticipation for Rajamouli to deliver yet another cinematic gem that balances high-octane action with profound emotional storytelling in SSMB 29.

Known for their captivating narratives, Rajamouli’s films typically feature outstanding cinematography and music. In SSMB 29, extraordinary visuals are expected, especially given the stunning locations like Koraput which will further enhance the film’s impact. Expect breathtaking visuals, elaborate action sequences, and sweeping landscape shots that come together through meticulous cinematography.

The music, composed by MM Keeravani (also famous for his work on Baahubali), is set to play a crucial role in reinforcing the story. Anticipate powerful scores that amplify emotional scenes, together with grand soundtracks for action moments. The fusion of music and visuals is something audiences have come to cherish in Rajamouli’s films.