Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Social Justice & Empowerment, Sh. B.L. Verma said that Ambala has long been known as the land of revolutionaries, and the “Azadi ki Pehli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak” being built here is set to become not only the largest martyrs’ memorial in India but also in Asia. He expressed hope that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi would soon dedicate this magnificent memorial to the nation, enabling the younger generation to directly learn and understand the glorious and authentic history of India.
Sh. Verma was speaking to media representatives after visiting the under-construction “Azadi ki Pehli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak” in Ambala Cantonment. Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij was also present on the occasion.
The Union Minister said that once completed and opened to the public, the grandeur and magnificence of the memorial would attract visitors from across India and around the world. He expressed confidence that it would emerge as a major center of history, culture, and patriotism.
Responding to a question regarding Sh. Anil Vij’s nearly three-decade-long struggle to establish the memorial, Sh. Verma said he was personally astonished after touring the site. He remarked , “Until now, I believed what was written in history books.
However, after seeing the official British documents and telegrams displayed here, it becomes clear that the spark of the 1857 uprising was ignited in Ambala Cantonment at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, 1857. Such evidence deserves its rightful place in history, and it must now be incorporated into historical records.”
Sh. Verma said the memorial presents the story of the 1857 uprising and the sacrifices of freedom fighters in a highly impactful manner through modern technology. The depiction of historical events, revolutionary struggles, and scenes from the freedom movement is so captivating that visitors would not feel like leaving the premises.
He added that the memorial also includes multi-purpose facilities, making it not just a monument but a living historical experience center. Praising the vision of Energy Minister Sh. Anil Vij, he described him as a visionary leader whose positive thinking and determination made this historic project possible.
He noted that the memorial also highlights how items such as roti (bread), lotus flowers, and tree bark were used as secret communication tools during the 1857 revolution, providing inspiring and educational insights for future generations. He said he had been informed that a comprehensive tour of the memorial would take approximately six to eight hours, and added that he would certainly return in the future at Sh. Vij’s invitation.
The Union Minister reiterated his desire that Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicate the memorial to the nation at the earliest so that the country’s youth can directly experience and understand their true history. He said there is a significant difference between reading, hearing, and witnessing history firsthand.
When history is presented in a vivid and immersive manner, it leaves a lasting impression on the mind. Responding to another question, Sh. Verma said that the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 12 years in office, a period marked by trust, development, and public welfare.
During the visit, Sh. Anil Vij gave a detailed walk-through presentation of the memorial. He explained the various galleries depicting the 1857 War of Independence, the sacrifices of revolutionary heroes, and major historical battles. The two leaders also discussed the contributions of freedom fighters and shared anecdotes related to their lives and struggles.
Sh. Vij informed the Union Minister that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently referred in his “Mann Ki Baat” programme to a rifle and cartridges dating back to 1857 that were discovered in Shahjahanpur. Efforts are underway to bring these historic artifacts to the memorial for display.
He further stated that the memorial is being developed over approximately 22 acres and, with an estimated cost of ₹700 crore, will be the largest martyrs’ memorial in Asia. Through 22 state-of-the-art galleries, it vividly portrays the events of the 1857 freedom struggle, major battles, and the sacrifices of countless martyrs.
Commending Sh. Vij’s efforts, Sh. Verma said that the memorial would stand as a lasting symbol of his visionary leadership and patriotism. He remarked that such works keep a person alive in public memory long after their lifetime.
The Union Minister stated,“Shri Anil Vij’s meaningful efforts will live on. Whether he is present or not, he will continue to be remembered.” During the visit, the Union Minister was also briefed about several historical exhibits, including 1857-era telegrams, puppet shows, sacred soil collected from across the country, and other significant displays.
On this occasion, Union Minister B.L. Verma and Energy Minister Anil Vij paid digital tributes to the martyrs of 1857 and raised slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” Earlier, both ministers planted a Rudraksha sapling in the memorial complex.
Among those present were SDM Kanika Goyal, Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, Vice-Chairperson Lalta Prasad, BJP leaders Kapil Vij, Sanjeev Walia, Vipin Khanna, Sanjeev Soni, Rajeev Gupta, Vijender Chauhan, Kiranpal Chauhan, Jasbir Jassi, Ajay Baveja, Pravesh Sharma, Ravi Budhiraja, Harsh Bindra, Vikas Bahgal, Ashish Aggarwal, Bharat Kochhar, Fakir Chand Saini, Varinder Singh, Subhash Sharma, Sunil Nadaria, Iqbal Dhanda, Surender Sehgal, Raj Kumar Raja, Raju Bali, Lalit, Surender Sehgal Gopi, Anil Bahl, Anil Nagar, along with a large number of party office-bearers and workers.