Udham Singh Martyrdom Day: Over 1 lakh students, teachers, parents pay tribute to the freedom fighter

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the UT Education Department organised a commemorative event to honour the martyrdom of Shaheed Udham Singh — the iconic freedom fighter known for his unwavering commitment to justice in the aftermath of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre — in 209 schools, including 111 government schools, across the city.

This city-wide tribute witnessed the participation of over 1 lakh individuals, including students, educators and parents from government, government-aided, Central government and recognised private schools throughout Chandigarh.

The programme was conducted in two major sessions to ensure inclusivity for all institutions. The morning session was held between 11 am and 12 noon while the evening session was conducted between 3 pm and 4 pm.

“Each school held a special assembly, carefully designed to foster a sense of national pride, civic responsibility and moral courage. Students gathered to reflect on the life, mission and sacrifice of Shaheed Udham Singh — whose name has become synonymous with resistance against colonial tyranny,” the Director School Education (DSE) Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar said.

In his special message sent to all the schools on the occasion, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria emphasised the importance of educating young citizens about India’s freedom movement, not merely as history, but as a living call to action in order to uphold democratic values, social justice, and ethical leadership in everyday life.

The schools engaged in a diverse and creative set of activities, led entirely by students, showcasing their passion and understanding of national history. These included speeches narrating the life journey and vision of the martyr, patriotic songs and theatrical skits portraying episodes from the Independence struggle, quizzes, poster-making and visual presentations that deepened understanding and sparked dialogue, and reflections and open-mic sessions, fostering emotional connection and critical thinking

The tribute was organised alongside scheduled parent-teacher meetings (PTMs), allowing parents to witness and participate in this moment of shared remembrance. “This integrated format not only encouraged inter-generational learning but also strengthened the school-home partnership in value education,” Brar said.

He said the initiative served as more than a ceremonial homage as it was a powerful educational movement. “Through storytelling, performance, and collective participation, the spirit of Shaheed Udham Singh was brought to life in classrooms, corridors, and hearts across Chandigarh,” the DSE opined, while lauding the tireless efforts of school heads, teachers, and coordinators who mobilised resources, mentored students, and executed the event seamlessly. “Their dedication transformed a remembrance into a trans-formative civic experience,” he added.

EFFORT TO CULTIVATE RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS: ES

“His response to the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, culminating in his supreme sacrifice, stands as a beacon of resistance, courage, and commitment to justice. The department’s effort to commemorate him reflects its broader vision of cultivating historically conscious, ethically driven and socially.