Over 300 freedom fighters and families of martyrs associated with the Independence struggle are expected to attend a first-of-its-kind gala event to commemorate the 110th birth anniversary of revolutionary leader Bhagat Singh in the Capital next week.
According to a source privy to developments in this regard, which The Hindu had reported on June 18, the move is underlined by the Delhi government’s attempt to identify, invite and felicitate veterans associated with Singh, including those who studied with him in school or the National College in Lahore. Some of them are believed to be settled outside India.
Political game?
The AAP government’s efforts, however, come in the run-up to the Assembly elections in Punjab, where the party expects to make an impressive debut.
Also, in the backdrop is Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to rename the Barapullah flyover in Delhi after Banda Singh Bahadur, a devotee of Guru Gobind Singh credited with the establishment of the first Sikh state in northern India.
Delhi Labour and GAD Minister Gopal Rai announced that the government had organised Shaheed Utsav on September 27 at the Talkatora Stadium, which would coincide with the launch of a website dedicated to martyrs and freedom fighters who had “disappeared in the pages of history”, replete with a photo gallery and biographies of freedom fighters and martyrs.
“It is a unique and rare initiative in which heroes of our freedom struggle would be remembered. The government of Delhi has coordinated with all the 29 States and 7 UTs for nominating the freedom fighters and the family members or close relatives of martyrs for attending the function,” Mr. Rai said at press conference on Thursday.
“Countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, United Kingdom, Canada and the USA, besides others, were also contacted through the Indian Embassies there to ascertain the details of freedom fighters and martyrs or their families ...who will be felicitated with mementos,” Mr. Rai added.
Further, the Minister announced that a patriotic cultural programme - including a play titled “ Mera Rang De Basanti Chola ” directed by Kewal Dhaliwal - would be presented. This is besides performances by renowned singer Harbhajan Mann and popular band Astitva.
‘Countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar, United Kingdom, Canada and the USA were also contacted’
