CM LEADS THE STATE TO PAY FLORAL TRIBUTES TO SHAHEED KARTAR SINGH SARABHA ON HIS MARTYRDOM DAY

Sarabha (Ludhiana), November 16-

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday led the state to pay floral tributes to the iconic martyr Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha on his martyrdom day.

Addressing the gathering during a state level function to mark the martyrdom day of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha here today, the Chief Minister said that Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha was India’s youngest revolutionary, who sacrificed his life at the age of 19. He said that this young martyr had been an inspiration for the young generations since ages to work for their country selflessly. Bhagwant Mann said that the great martyr played a pivotal role in emancipating the country from the clutches of foreign imperialism adding that as an active leader of Ghadar party he worked untiringly for attaining freedom first abroad and then within the country.

The Chief Minister said that the state government will name the upcoming International Airport at Indian Air force Station Halwara, Ludhiana as Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport adding that 80% work on this project has been completed and it will be operational soon. He said that this will be a humble tribute to the iconic martyr who laid down his life at the altar of the motherland adding that this young martyr had been an inspiration for the young generations since ages to work for their country selflessly. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the great martyr played a pivotal role in emancipating the country from the clutches of foreign imperialism adding that as an active leader of Ghadar party he worked untiringly for attaining freedom first abroad and then within the country.

Batting for conferring Bharat Ratna award to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha and other legendary martyrs who had sacrificed their lives during the national freedom struggle, the Chief Minister said that bestowing the Bharat Ratna award to these legendary martyrs will enhance the prestige of this award. He said that these great martyrs really deserve this award because they had made supreme sacrifices for emancipating the country from foreign clutches. Bhagwant Singh Mann bemoaned that unfortunately this award has not been bestowed to these leaders even after the passing of more than 75 years of independence.

The Chief Minister bemoaned that the souls of the martyrs must have been bruised when they will be observing that youth of state are moving abroad in search of work. He said that these martyrs had fought valiantly to uproot the foreigners but unfortunately now our youth are moving on foreign land by spending huge amount of money obtained by mortgaging the land and jewels of their parents. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that actually these youth are fed up with the system in the state and the Punjab government is now taking steps to rectify this system for ensuring the well being of youth.

The Chief Minister said that the road to the village has already been constructed, Sewa Kendra will be operational fully in the coming days adding that he will explore the feasibility of setting up UPSC coaching centres along with other projects in the coming days. He announced that the state government will leave no stone unturned for developing the native village of martyr into a model village. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had assumed the charge of office after taking oath at Khatkar Kalan, the native village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, adding that his government is committed to realizing the dreams of the martyrs.

The Chief Minister further said that the Khedan Watan Punjab Dian are being organized by the state government which is a right step towards providing a platform to the players for showcasing their talent. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that these games are helping the state government to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the players which will be beneficial for grooming them for the national and international events in future. He further said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned to popularize sports in the state as it can play a key role in progress of the state and prosperity of its people.

Quoting verse ‘Pawan Guru, Paani Pitaah, Mata Dharat Mahat’ from Gurbani, the Chief Minister said that the great Gurus have equated air (pawan) with teacher, water (paani) with father and land (dharat) with mother. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the time has come when we must imbibe the teachings of Gurbani in our lives for restoring the pristine glory of the state by resolving not to burn crop residue. He said that concerted efforts must be made for checking the environmental pollution in the state for which every individual should come forward.

Earlier, the Chief Minister also visited the ancestral house of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha and paid floral tributes to the martyr.