Amritsar city pays rich tributes to Shaheed Udham Singh

Rich tributes were paid to Shaheed Udham Singh on his 86th martyrdom day as the district administration, institutions and members of political parties marked the day by hosting commemorative events. Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney offered floral tributes at the statue of Shaheed Udham Singh located inside Jallianwala Bagh and described the ‘martyrs’ as national assets. “It is only because of the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives during the freedom struggle, that we are enjoying our freedom and it is our duty to maintain our freedom by following the path shown by the martyrs,” she said. Later, the DC also reviewed the cleanliness arrangements started under the leadership of the Archaeological Department at Jallianwala Bagh and instructed the officials concerned to pay special attention to the arrangements for cleanliness so that the visitors do not face any kind of problem.

She said that two more rainwater harvesting systems will be installed at Heritage Street so that water does not accumulate here during rainy days.

The Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) organised a solemn religious ceremony at the Gurdwara Sahib of Central Khalsa Orphanage, under its aegis. Shaheed Udham Singh’s room at the orphanage, where he spent considerable time as an adolescent, has been maintained by the CKD as a small museum. The museum houses rare photographs, attendance records and personal belongings such as a wooden trunk, coat, utensils and lamp associated with the martyr.

Students and wards at the orphanage also delivered speeches and recited poems highlighting the life and sacrifice of India’s valiant son.

CKD president Dr Inderbir Singh Nijjar provided historical context about Shaheed Udham Singh’s life and emphasised the crucial role played by the orphanage in shaping his extraordinary character. He mentioned that Udham Singh spent 12 formative years at the orphanage, and its nurturing environment contributed significantly to his moral upbringing. He urged the children to draw inspiration from the life of such a great patriot.

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party’s district unit offered floral tributes at the statue of Shaheed Udham Singh at Hall Gate Chowk. Speaking to the media on the occasion, Lok Sabha in-charge Jaskaran Singh Bandesha, MLA from Central constituency Dr Ajay Gupta and district president of the party’s rural unit Gurpartap Singh Sandhu, said in a joint statement that the sacrifice made by Shaheed Udham Singh for the country will continue to be a source of inspiration for the coming generations.

Shaheed Udham Singh, after 21 years, went to England and killed Michael O’Dwyer, who had ordered the massacre of innocent people in Jallianwala Bagh and avenged the martyrdom of innocent people, sending a strong message to the colonial British empire.