Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that he is fully confident that the “Azadi ki Pehali Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak,” built in Ambala Cantonment and regarded as the largest of its kind in Asia, will soon be inaugurated by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, as it is not just a memorial for Haryana but a national monument dedicated to the glorious history of the entire nation.
Sh. Vij was responding to questions from media persons here in Chandigarh today.He said that, to the best of his knowledge, there is no other memorial in the country where the events and struggles associated with the First War of Independence of 1857 have been presented in such a comprehensive and modern manner.
He explained that historical scenes from the struggles against British rule in Ambala, Meerut, Delhi, Jhansi, Agra and other parts of the country have been recreated using modern technology so that future generations can understand that India’s freedom struggle had already begun in 1857.
Sh. Vij said that history has often focused more on the later phase of the freedom movement associated with the Congress, whereas the Congress itself was established in 1885. He pointed out that 28 years before the formation of the Congress, a widespread and armed uprising against British rule had already erupted across the country, in which thousands of soldiers, farmers and citizens sacrificed their lives.
He said many brave patriots were tied to trees and shot dead, yet their sacrifices never received the recognition they truly deserved in history.The Energy Minister said that to pay true tribute to these “unsung heroes” and to correct this historical injustice, Asia’s largest Martyrs Memorial has been constructed over 22 acres in Ambala Cantonment.
He added that a special “Tribute Gallery” has also been created within the memorial complex where people will be able to pay homage to those immortal martyrs who sacrificed everything for India’s freedom.Sh. Vij said that this memorial is not merely a structure of bricks and stones, but a living symbol of patriotism, sacrifice and India’s glorious history, which will continue to inspire future generations with the spirit of nationalism and devotion to the country.