Tarn Taran Diary: Commemoration ceremony of Saragarhi martyr

A solemn ceremony was held at the Saragarhi Memorial in Dhun Dhai Wala in Tarn Taran district to commemorate the martyrdom of Naik Lal Singh, IOM (Indian Order of Merit) and second-in-command during the historic Battle of Saragarhi. Naik Lal Singh hailed from the village of Dhun Dhai Wala in Tarn Taran district, and his bravery in defending Saragarhi Fort continues to inspire generations. The event began with Bhog and Ardas (prayer) at the memorial, where the caretakers, along with the residents of Dhun Dhai Wala, paid homage to Naik Lal Singh. The community transformed the day into a festival of remembrance, honouring the legacy of the brave soldier.

The Indian Army presented a guard of honour, with participation from the 18 Punjab Battalion and a contingent from the 4 Sikh Battalion.

The event was co-hosted by Tarn Taran chapter of INTACH and the Saragarhi Memorial Committee, Dhun Dhai Wala. Maj Gen Balwinder Singh VSM (retd), Punjab State Convener of INTACH, led the tribute, alongside Dr Baljit Kaur, convener of INTACH Tarn Taran, Surjit Singh, president of Saragarhi Memorial Dhun Dhai Wala, Kirti Chakra awardee Charan Singh Dubbli, and Indian Army personnel.

In his address, Maj Gen (retd) Balwinder Singh expressed deep gratitude to the people of Dhun Dhai Wala for preserving the spirit of nationalism. He further mentioned, “We remember the event in a befitting manner, along with the Saragarhi Foundation, Dhun village. Our efforts are to transform this historic place into a destination for tourists from Punjab, as well as national and international visitors.”

Dr Baljit Kaur of Tarn Taran chapter of INTACH was recognised for her commitment to reviving Punjab’s cultural and historical heritage. Subedar Sukhbir Singh, addressing the attendees, informed them that the remembrance function began with an Akhand Path and concluded with a guard of honour. Maj Gen (retd) Balwinder Singh also highlighted the ongoing collaboration with Punjab government’s cultural department to revive other historical sites across the state. “These efforts will not only help preserve our heritage but also boost tourism and contribute to the local economy,” he stated.

The annual commemoration not only pays tribute to Naik Lal Singh’s supreme sacrifice but also reaffirms the commitment of the people of Punjab to their rich history. The event was attended by several prominent members of INTACH, including Dr Sukhbir Kaur Aulakh, Mandeep Kaur, Sahib Singh and Varinder Pal Singh, who contributed to making the ceremony a success. The residents of Dhun Dhai Wala maintain the Saragarhi Memorial on their own and with respect. The visitors who come to this sleepy village appreciate the patriotic zeal of the villagers.

Villagers seek NREGA jobs

The weaker sections in villages which are dependent on NREGA jobs are in a fix. NREGA workers from Pandori Rehmana, Mughal Chack, Majupur, Bhojian and other villages held a meeting in Tarn Taran to discuss their demands. Baldev Singh Pandori, Narinder Singh Rataul and others said that the NREGA scheme has been hijacked by the local leaders in villages. The leaders said that the eligible workers are not given jobs as there are many who are close to the ruling party leaders and do not work but still find their way. As a result, the work done on paper with the grant for the scheme is nowhere to be seen. They said that the scheme in one way has become a beneficial ‘agency’ for the ruling party leaders as they depute a mate of their own choice and do whatever they like. There are reports that there are many villages in the district where crores of rupees have been spent under the scheme but there is still much backwardness.

Compensation for deceased’s kin

The Tarn Taran district administration has found a new way for government jobs just to cover its lapses. A situation had arisen in Naushehra Pannuan village a few days back when the family of Bachittarjit Singh alias Bikkar refused to cremate his body. He was an active worker of the ruling AAP. He was shot dead by two armed assailants. To resolve the situation from turning worse, a minister, an MLA and other leaders of the ruling party besides officials the district administration, including the Deputy Commissioner, reached the spot. Reports say that he was shot dead by gangsters. The administration announced a government job for the wife of the deceased, compensation worth Rs 2 lakh for the aggrieved family on the spot and Rs 4,000 per kid for the three children of the deceased per month as compensation for education. These facilities have never been awarded previously to any family.