Chandigarh/Ferozepur, 12 September 2024 :
Punjab Government will not leave any stone unturned to keep martyrdom of 21 Sikh warriors of 127 years old Saragarhi War afresh in the hearts of people. This was stated today by Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur after inaugurating the ‘Saragarhi War Memorial’ at historic Gurudwara Saragarhi Sahib in Ferozepur Cantt.
Addressing the gathering after the Akhand Path Sahib in the memory of the martyrs, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s able guidance large-scale work is being done to connect the residents of the state with such historic developments.
“Our aim is to connect the masses especially the young generation with their proud and glorious heritage”, she said.
Under these projects, all-round development of places of historical and heritage importance in the state is being highlighted during such events. She stated that under this series, the first memorial dedicated to the battle of Saragarhi of India has been built at Ferozepur.
She said that according to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Saragarhi war is one of the eight important wars in the world. It is a matter of great pride that martyred soldiers were awarded the “Indian Order of Merit” (highest medal) i.e. Victoria Cross.
Throwing light on the background of this memorial, Dr. Baljit Kaur said that the foundation stone of this memorial was laid by the Chief Minister on the same day today last year.
Appreciating the tireless efforts of the entire team of the district administration under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman, she said that this memorial is being completed within the stipulated time at a cost of about Rs 2 crore.
An important contribution of Rs 50 lakh has also been made by Rajya Sabha Member Vikramjit Singh Sahni for this project.
She said that this memorial will inspire not only the Sikh community but the youth of entire country. She said that most of the soldiers who died in this war belonged to Ferozepur.
She stated that that earlier too a museum dedicated to this war was built at Gurudwara Saragarhi with a cost of Rs 2 crore. She said that in this museum, the artifacts, equipment, coding- decoding of the signaling technology used during the Saragarhi War have been displayed. Apart from this, the weapons used in the war at that time have also been shown and people are being made aware about this historic war through videos, which has become the center of attraction.
This war memorial is dedicated to the honor and sacrifice of those 21 heroes of 36 Sikh Regiment who fought with ten thousand Afghani tribesmen to defend the fort of Saragarhi and got martyrdom on the battlefield.
She said that the concept of the Saragarhi War Memorial was inspired by the memorial built at Afghanistan.
Beautiful lights have been installed on this memorial which will give the memorial an even more attractive look at night, she said. This historical monument will be a center of attraction for the tourists of the country and abroad. She thanked CM Bhagwant Singh Mann for installing the 8 feet tall statue of Sardar Ishar Singh, the hero of the Saragarhi War which is displayed at the entrance of the memorial. Apart from this, a 41 feet long wall (mural wall) has also been constructed depicting the war scene of that time.
She further said that the all-round development of such places of historical importance in Punjab will also attract tourists from the country and abroad. This will also boost the economic development of the state.
During the event, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur also honored the family members of the soldiers who got martyrdom in the war.
Besides others, MLA Ferozepur Urban Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Ferozepur Rural Rajneesh Dahiya, MLA Guruharsahai Fauja Singh Sarari, Commissioner Ferozepur Division Arun Sekhari, Major General Yogi Sheoran GOC, Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Dr. Nidhi Kumud Bamba, Brigadier Bikram Deputy GOC, Chairman District Planning Board Chand Singh Gill, Shaminder Singh Khinda Chairman Punjab Agro, Jagdev Singh Bam Chairman Cooperative Bank, Dr. Malkit Singh District President Aam Aadmi Party were present on the occasion.
