Will seek time from PM to inaugurate Shaheed Smarak: Vij

Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij on Thursday said he would seek time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration of the 1857 Shaheed Smarak being developed in Ambala Cantonment to commemorate the unsung heroes of the first revolt.

He was speaking after inspecting the under-construction Shaheed Samarak. The minister has directed the officials to expedite work. Giving a target date for the inauguration, the minister asked the officials to ensure that the project was ready for inauguration on May 10.

During the inspection, the minister visited the art work being prepared there.

Vij said, “I will seek time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the inauguration of the Shaheed Smarak and I am hopeful that I will get the time. I have asked the officials to complete the project so that it can be inaugurated on May 10, the day mutiny started. All the events and aspects of the first revolt will be showcased at the Shaheed Smarak. The visitors will experience the time of 1857 during their visit.”

“People will get to know about the unsung heroes of the first revolt and cruelty of the British. All facilities will be ensured for the visitors here. An auditorium with a capacity of 2,000 persons has been constructed.

The minister also directed the officials to make the lifts operational of the memorial tower in 10 days. He also praised the artists for the art work being done. The gallery showcases Haryana in 1857 through mannequins, murals and audio experiences. The visual and experiential aspects of an underground tunnel have been recreated. An ammunition factory established by Rao Tula Ram in his mansion to fight against the British has been created. Battles fought in various regions of India are illustrated on the ground floor through artifacts.

Vij highlighted that the first spark of the freedom struggle ignited in Ambala Cantonment hours before it began in Meerut. He emphasised that the unsung heroes sacrificed their lives for the country's Independence but were never remembered. Therefore, the Shaheed Smarak was being constructed here. People from across the country will visit the memorial, and it will provide comprehensive information to the youth and children about the history of freedom struggle, including the brutal methods employed by the British, such as tying soldiers to trees and beating them mercilessly, or binding them in front of cannons.