SAD, Congress pay tributes to Shaheed Udham Singh

On the 84th martyrdom day of Shaheed Udham Singh, both Shiromani Akali Dal (Urban) and the Congress held separate tribute ceremonies in Jalandhar to honour his legacy and supreme sacrifice for the country’s freedom. Leaders from both parties remembered the revolutionary’s courage and his historic act of avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

The Jalandhar Urban District Congress Committee paid floral tributes to the statue of Udham Singh. District President Rajinder Beri, MLA Bawa Henry, Surinder Kaur, Dr Navjot Dahiya and other party leaders were present. They highlighted Udham Singh’s significant contribution to the freedom movement and emphasised the importance of remembering such great martyrs. Other Congress leaders present included Arun Sahigal, Brahmadev Sahota, Dr Jasleen Sethi, Jagdeep Sonu Sandhar and others.

Separately, Shiromani Akali Dal (Urban), Jalandhar, organised a special tribute event. District president Iqbal Singh Dhindsa called Udham Singh “a symbol of Punjab’s pride, patience, and bravery,” recalling how he patiently waited for the right moment and avenged the Jallianwala Bagh massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer in London. “He didn’t just shoot a man, but the entire imperialist system,” Dhindsa said, reflecting on Udham Singh’s ideology and vision.

Amritbir Singh, president of Youth Akali Dal (Jalandhar), also spoke at the event. He said the youth are inspired by Udham Singh’s path and values, especially his stand against oppression. “We will never let the red line he drew in history be erased,” he said. “He will always remain a symbol of passion, determination, and patriotic love.”

As part of the tribute, Shiromani Akali Dal also planted a tree in Udham Singh’s memory. The party said the tree would stand as a lasting symbol of his courage and serve as a connection between his legacy and the land.

Floral tributes were paid before Udham Singh’s portrait, with members of Shiromani Akali Dal, Youth Akali Dal, and prominent area leaders in attendance. Dhindsa concluded by urging the government to take serious steps for the upkeep and restoration of parks and memorials dedicated to martyrs, so that future generations remain aware of their sacrifices.

Meanwhile, in Garhshankar, the Democratic Employees Federation also marked the martyrdom day by organising a tribute ceremony at the Gurudwara of Shri Guru Ravidas Ji, Banga Chowk. Speakers at the event, including Mukesh Kumar, Jarnail Singh, Manpreet Boha, and Dr Joginder Kulewal, remembered Udham Singh’s fierce opposition to British exploitation and his commitment to building a free, democratic India. The event was attended by several employee leaders, including Satpal Kaler, Gurmel Singh, Hans Raj Garshankar, and others.