Chandigarh, August 14- In a state-level programme organized in Kurukshetra to observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas') announced that world-class ‘Shaheedi Smarak’ (war memorial) will be built by Panchnad Smarak Trust in about 25 acres of land near Pipli in Kurukshetra district to remember those who were martyred at the time of partition. He called upon the Trust to start the construction work of the ‘Shaheedi Smarak’ at the earliest. This ‘Shaheedi Smarak’ will be run by Panchnad Trust.
Sh. Manohar Lal said that he wishes that this ‘Shaheedi Smarak’ should be recognized at the national level, for which every section of the society should ensure their contribution. He called upon the people to remember the sacrifices of their ancestors and come forward to contribute to the construction work of the ‘Shaheedi Smarak’.
The Chief Minister said that he would also make contribution on personal level and on behalf of the State Government for the construction of this ‘Shaheedi Smarak’.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister while paying tribute to the people who died during the traumatic events of the country’s partition said that today will be a day to bring epoch-making changes in the history of India.
“On this day in the year 1947, the process of India's independence was going on, while on the other hand, the partition of the country took place. Post-independence literature is full of tragic stories of Partition”, said Sh. Manohar Lal.
Recalling the time of Partition, the Chief Minister said that our ancestors chose to be beheaded rather than being converted. He said that now it is our responsibility to narrate these stories to the coming generations so as to ensure that they have information about the struggle and sacrifice of their ancestors.
The Chief Minister said that during the partition about one crore 20 lakh people were displaced and lakh of people were killed. Our ancestors sacrificed their lives showing indomitable courage for country and culture.
“During partition when the families came to India, they had no food, shelter and clothes, but they did not beg and worked hard to become independent. With their hard work they made the barren land fertile,” said Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister announced that the State Government is considering giving some rights to those cultivating fertile land. He called upon the young generation that if we want to take the country forward, then we have to remember our society, culture and dialect.
The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has termed the country’s partition as the biggest tragedy of the 20th century and he has announced to observe August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas'), while launching the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav on Independence Day last year.
Sh. Manohar Lal said that lakhs of families displaced from Pakistan who are presently residing in the State are proof that Haryana has experienced the pain of the partition a little more than others.
The Chief Minister said that he himself grew up in such families displaced from Pakistan and very well understands the trauma and the pain of partition. He said that the pain of the partition of the country can never be forgotten.
“A grateful nation, while celebrating independence, also salutes those sons and daughters of the motherland who had to sacrifice their lives in the violence. This day will inspire us to remove the poison of social divisions and disharmony and to strengthen the spirit of unity, social harmony, and human empowerment. Through Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, the present generation and the coming generations will always be inspired to remember those who suffered great pain and sacrificed their lives during the partition”, said Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Chief Minister said that while upholding the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has taken several initiatives in uniting India as one nation. Under the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme initiated by the Prime Minister, a golden opportunity has been provided to the people of the different states to enhance their interaction and promote mutual understanding among them, said Sh. Manohar Lal.
“Inspired by the vision of the Prime Minister, we have given the slogan 'Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek'. With this spirit, we have worked continuously for ensuring equitable development of the state and have also ensured the welfare of every section of the society,” added the Chief Minister.
On this occasion, exhibitions on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas') at main public places like railway stations, airports, and malls were also organized across the State. Besides this, a documentary based on the true stories of the family members of 1200 people who were martyred at the time of partition was also shown at the venue.
MP, Kurukshetra Sh. Nayab Saini, Karnal MP, Sh. Sanjay Bhatia, Ambala MP, Sh. Rattan Lal Kataria, Rohtak MP, Sh. Arvind Sharma, MLA, Sh. Subhash Sudha, Swami Dharmdev Maharaj and Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj and many senior officers of the state government were also present in the programme.