Udham Singh’s Sacrifice Symbolises Patriotism and Courage, Says Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini

Chandigarh, July 31 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday paid rich tribute to revolutionary martyr Udham Singh, calling his sacrifice an unparalleled example of patriotism, bravery, and selflessness in India’s freedom struggle. Speaking at a state-level function in Sirsa on Udham Singh’s martyrdom day, the Chief Minister urged citizens to take a pledge to work together for national unity and reconstruction, describing it as the truest homage to the martyrs.

At the event held at Baba Bhuman Shah Dham in Sangar Sarista, CM Saini announced that a plot would be allotted to the Kamboj Sabha in Panchkula. He also declared that similar requests from Fatehabad, Kaithal, and Jagadhri would be given priority. In addition, he announced that Hisar’s village Bara Suleman would be renamed as Udham Pura in honour of the martyr.

Responding to demands, the CM said that a feasibility study would be conducted to establish a Government Ayurvedic College and Hospital in the name of Baba Bhuman Shah on the premises. He also assured that a new canal, Rangoi Nala, would be carved out from the Ghaggar River to pass through village Rampura Dhani. On the issue of OBC reservation in Class I and II government jobs, the CM stated the matter would be referred to the OBC Commission. Other demands would also undergo feasibility studies through respective departments.

The Chief Minister recalled that Shaheed Udham Singh laid down his life on July 31, 1940, in protest against injustice and colonial oppression. The tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, left a lasting impact on the young Udham Singh, who was only 20 at the time. He was serving water to the crowd when British troops opened fire. That day, he smeared the martyr’s soil on his forehead and vowed to take revenge—a promise he fulfilled by shooting General Michael O’Dwyer in London on March 13, 1940. He was sentenced to death and hanged on July 31, 1940, at Pentonville Prison.

Saini said Udham Singh, along with Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Chandrashekhar Azad, and Madan Lal Dhingra, paved the path of sacrifice for the country’s freedom. Their collective legacy remains an inspiration for future generations.

Highlighting the state’s welfare policies, Saini mentioned that Haryana has taken several measures under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance to uplift backward communities. These include reservation quotas for Backward Classes A and B in Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies, monetary support of ₹51,000 for daughters of families earning below ₹1.80 lakh annually, and increased pensions for freedom fighters and their widows from ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month.

To honour the 1857 uprising fighters, a war memorial is being built in Ambala. The CM stressed that while we cannot repay the martyrs’ sacrifices, we can express gratitude by preserving their legacy. He called upon all citizens to unite in protecting the country’s integrity and contribute to its growth.

Dera Baba Bhuman Shah’s head, Baba Brahm Das, praised the CM’s dedication to public welfare and urged youth to draw inspiration from martyrs, embrace good values, and serve the nation as true patriots. He also appealed to society to unite against the menace of drug addiction and pledged to continue the fight until it is completely eradicated.

Distinguished guests at the event included Swami Brahmanand Ji, Mahesh Muni Ji, Mahant Gomti Das Ji, Mahant Sagar Nath Ji, German MP Rahul Kamboj, former Odisha Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal, former ministers Subhash Sudha and Karan Dev Kamboj, former MP Sunita Duggal, and former MLA Duda Ram.