CM Mann to attend birth anniv event of Bhagat Singh today

Various social and political organisations are set to hold functions on Sunday across the region on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh.

A short state-level event has been convened at his ancestral place in Khatkar Kalan where Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will pay tributes at the memorial. He will also unfurl the Tricolour on a newly installed 100-foot-high flagpole at the same site, marking a proud tribute to the spirit of freedom.

Even as there is no political rally for the programme, the CM is also scheduled to watch a presentation on the progress of the ongoing work for Rs 53.45-crore Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh Heritage Complex project there.

Khatkar Kalan, which falls just outside Banga of Nawanshahr, is being developed as an iconic tourist site. The development is being done as a part of joint Centre-state project, as per the Special Assistance to States / Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The heritage street currently under construction will serve as a symbolic pathway connecting the museum dedicated to the youth icon with his ancestral home. Designed to celebrate the life and legacy of the nation's hero, the street will showcase key moments from his journey and his role in the freedom struggle.

Visitors will be immersed in experiential zones featuring live performances, 3D installations, and thematic recreations of the early 1900s. The space will be adorned with historically inspired signages and sculptures, while a "Flame of Freedom" will stand as a tribute to his enduring spirit. A musical fountain and enhanced façade lighting will further elevate the ambiance, making it a vibrant cultural landmark upon completion.

The house of Bhagat Singh is a protected monument and stands in its old form with all belongings of his family as it was raised by his great-grandfather Fateh Singh in 1858. The house was declared protected in 1982 by the Act of the state government in 1982.