Sukhdev’s relatives get invite for PM’s function

LUDHIANA: Two days after TOI carried a story on how families of freedom fighters, especially Sukhdev Thapar, were not invited to a function, to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to pay tributes to the trio - Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev Thapar - on their martyrdom day at Hussainiwala in Ferozepur district on March 23, the family has finally been invited to the event.
“We have finally got the call from deputy director. He first apologized that they could not send the invitation in time. He requested that we should now make it to the venue as all the arrangements have been made for the families now,” said Ashok Thapar, nephew of freedom fighter Sukhdev Thapar.
He further said they have been watching the news and seeing advertisements of Prime Minister’s visit to pay tributes to freedom fighters on their martyrdom day.
He said though it (not getting an invitation) did not affect him personally as their trust had already organized a havan in Ludhiana to mark the martyrdom day of his uncle Sukhdev Thapar, it sent a wrong message to the people.
“The freedom fighters laid down their lives and they would not come back to see what is happening here, but what the government needs to understand is that the treatment they give to the family of the freedom fighters is being watched by younger generations. They are the ones who should be motivated so that they do not shy away from doing something for the country,” said Thapar.
Thapar said he and his son would go to attend the function for two reasons.
Jasbir Singh Boparai, deputy director, Sainik Welfare Board, Ferozepur, said, “I called up the family in the morning and invited them on behalf of the Ferozepur district administration.”