Ambala (Balwinder Singh): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated the memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the First War of Independence of 1857 in Ambala, Haryana. He also inaugurated the Jalbehra–Shahabad section of National Highway 152G, built at a cost of Rs 1,260 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Shah praised Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s working style, describing him as a leader who speaks slowly but works swiftly. He also said the BJP would approach voters in the 2029 elections after fulfilling all promises and guarantees made in its manifesto.
Shah said the 1857 uprising should be remembered as a war of independence rather than a rebellion. He recalled that the uprising began on May 10, 1857, and soon spread across the country, challenging British rule.
“The struggle from 1857 to 1947 lasted 90 years and involved the supreme sacrifices of countless martyrs. It was after those sacrifices that India achieved independence,” he said.
He added that the sacrifices of freedom fighters laid the foundation for the country’s present ambition of becoming a developed nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Ambala memorial to preserve the history of 1857 uprising
Shah said the memorial would become an important destination for the younger generation to understand the country’s freedom struggle and develop a sense of patriotism.
Spread across 22 acres, the complex houses 23 galleries showcasing the events and contributions associated with the 1857 uprising. According to Shah, it features modern technology, holography and interactive displays, along with exhibits highlighting Haryana’s traditional arts and crafts.
The memorial also has an open-air theatre with a seating capacity of 2,500 people. A light-and-sound show has been incorporated to recreate the history of the uprising.
Shah urged young people from across the country to visit the memorial and pay tribute to the freedom fighters.
He also recalled the contribution of Kunwar Singh, who fought the British at the age of 87. Shah narrated how the warrior, after being shot in his left arm, cut it off with his right hand and continued fighting.
The Home Minister said nations must remember and honour those who sacrificed their lives for independence, adding that preserving their legacy was essential for the country’s progress.
Shah praises Nayab Singh Saini, highlights Haryana government’s work
Praising Saini, Shah said the Chief Minister may speak slowly but works at a fast pace. He also credited former Chief Minister and Union Minister Manohar Lal, Saini and Cabinet Minister Anil Vij for their efforts in completing the memorial.
Shah highlighted several initiatives undertaken by successive BJP governments in Haryana over the past 12 years. These included the procurement of all crops at minimum support price (MSP), the state’s online transfer policy, the provision of 50 per cent representation for women in panchayats and the implementation of the Family ID system.
He also referred to Haryana’s contributions to agriculture, dairy production, sports and the armed forces.
Shah said Haryana had taken steps towards becoming a drug-free state. Taking aim at the opposition, he referred to demands for an MSP guarantee in Punjab and said farmers would not need to seek such assurances if a BJP-NDA government came to power in the state.
National Highway 152G section inaugurated
During the event, Shah also inaugurated the Jalbehra–Shahabad section of National Highway 152G, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,260 crore.
The ceremony was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister Manohar Lal, Cabinet Minister Anil Vij, BJP’s central in-charge Smriti Irani and state BJP president Archana Gupta, among other leaders and officials.
