At Hussainiwala in Ferozepur, on the Shaheedi Diwas (martyrdom day) of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann paid tributes at the historic National Martyrs Memorial, facilitated the families of the martyrs, and laid the foundation stone of the ₹24.99 crore Hussainiwala Heritage Complex, reaffirming his government’s commitment to honouring the martyrs and building a Rangla Punjab rooted in their vision.
Invoking the legacy of the nation’s greatest revolutionaries, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the occasion is not merely to remember their sacrifice but to carry forward their fearless ideals and unwavering stand against injustice.
He renewed his resolve to serve Punjab and the nation in line with their vision, while also questioning the continued denial of the Bharat Ratna (highest honours) to these freedom fighters and asserting that India’s trajectory would have been profoundly different had such courageous, youth-driven leadership shaped its early years.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Selfish leaders in this country have built stadiums in their own names even while alive, but have done little to honour true martyrs like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, and Shaheed Sukhdev.”
The Chief Minister stated, “These iconic revolutionaries sacrificed their lives at a young age, but after independence, others occupied the corridors of power and took credit for the freedom they did not fight for.” “Shaheed Rajguru, Shaheed Sukhdev, and Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh have been reduced to being remembered with flowers, while others claimed the legacy of independence,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, further noting, “They were hanged early to silence them because people had begun to rally behind their fearless ideas.”
Reflecting on the cost of independence, the Chief Minister said, “No one could have imagined how costly our independence would be, with around a million people losing their lives during Partition and millions forced to migrate.” He added, “Our elders made immense sacrifices, but those ruling today fail to understand that pain as they inherited a ready-made nation built on those sacrifices.”
“Some thankless leaders now claim that India got true independence only in 2014, which is a grave insult to our martyrs,” he said, adding, “It is shocking that some even describe Shaheed Bhagat Singh merely as a ‘social worker’ and not a martyr.
Who are these people to give such certificates?” Calling upon people to draw inspiration from the martyrs, he said, “Today is a day to remember these legendary heroes, to read and listen to their stories which continue to inspire generations of youth.”
The Chief Minister reiterated that political priorities have long been misplaced, stating, “Leaders have built statues of themselves and named stadiums after themselves while alive, but have failed to honour martyrs like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, and Shaheed Sukhdev.”
He added, “It is unfortunate that we had to struggle to get Mohali airport named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh, as the Centre ignored repeated requests, but our persistent efforts ensured that it was eventually named in his honour.” Highlighting further steps, he said, “Halwara airport is being named after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, whom Shaheed Bhagat Singh regarded as his mentor.”
He asserted, “If Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh had become the Prime Minister after the first elections of 1952, the entire map of the country would have been different. Today, a 35-year-old youth has become Prime Minister in Nepal. If leadership had been handed to youth here as well, India would have been number one in the world.”
The Chief Minister noted that remembrance must go beyond symbolic gestures, stating, “People remember Shaheed Bhagat Singh only on his birth or martyrdom anniversary, but he belongs to all of us, not just one family.” He added, “If we follow his ideals, no one can stop Punjab from becoming prosperous again.”
“Our history is full of sacrifices, and our great Gurus have always taught us to stand against tyranny, injustice, and oppression,” he said, while cautioning, “It is unfortunate that we are forgetting these sacrifices. We memorise facts for exams but fail to understand their ideology.”
Recalling the life of the martyr, he said, “Shaheed Bhagat Singh even left home on the day of his engagement, choosing the path of revolution over personal life.” He added, “It pains me when people merely put his picture on vehicles and say he will return.”
Calling for action, the Chief Minister said, “Instead of waiting for him to return, we must follow his path and serve the nation.” He emphasised, “Today, bombs and weapons are not needed. The power of the ballot is supreme, and by choosing the right leaders, people can bring real change.”
Urging people to take a pledge, he said, “Let us resolve to follow the path of the martyrs and build our Punjab with our own hands. This sacred land of Hussainiwala, where the mortal remains of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Rajguru, and Shaheed Sukhdev were cremated by the Britishers, continues to inspire generations for selfless service.”
The Chief Minister said, “I am blessed to visit this sacred land and pay tributes to the martyr who laid down his life at the age of 23 for the freedom of the nation. Our government will leave no stone unturned to realise the dream of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, to whom the nation will always remain indebted.”
“His martyrdom inspired countless youth to join the freedom struggle and will continue to inspire millions to serve the nation selflessly,” he said, calling upon youth to follow his path to build a progressive and prosperous India. Earlier, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of the Hussainiwala Heritage Complex, stating, “This ₹24.99 crore project is a humble effort to honour our great martyrs and preserve their legacy for future generations.”
He added, “The project aims to develop the heritage area at Hussainiwala and will also boost tourism in Punjab.” Detailing the project, he said, “The complex will feature a grand heritage entrance gate, a corridor dedicated to the lives of martyrs, wall paintings, beautification and landscaping of parks and memorial areas.”
He added, “It will also include thematic representations of historical events, a 3D mapping show on the old bridge, a musical fountain, play areas for children, comfortable spaces for senior citizens, an on-grid solar power plant, and an RO plant for clean drinking water.”