The prestigious Jang-e-Azaadi memorial was today thrown open for the public after being shut down for around 11 months during the Corona crisis.
The re-opening ceremony was performed by Additional Chief Secretary Tourism and Cultural affairs Mr Sanjay Kumar in the presence of Chief Editor of Ajit group of newspapers Dr Barjinder Singh Hamdard, Lok Sabha MP Chaudhary Santokh Singh, MLAs Pargat Singh, Mr Sushil Kumar Rinku, Mr Rajinder Beri, Chaudhary Surinder Singh, Mr Avtar Singh Bawa Henry and Mr Pawan Kumar Teenu, Deputy Commissioner Mr Ghanshyam Thori, Commissioner of Police Mr Gurpreet Singh Bhullar and Chairman PUNSUP Mr Tejinder Singh Bittu.
The Additional Chief Secretary said that the memorial was a beacon for perpetuating the glorious contribution of Punjabis in national freedom struggle. He said that keeping in view the threat of Corona virus the memorial was closed on March 18 last year. However, Mr Sanjay Kumar said that with the weakening of Corona wave the memorial has been re-opened for the public after taking full precautions as per the existing Covid protocol.
The Additional Chief Secretary, while showering heaps of praise for the Executive Committee of memorial led by Dr Barjinder Singh
Hamdard, said that the committee was rendering marvellous service to people of state. He said that this ‘historical memorial ’ showcases the valuable contribution of Punjabis in the national freedom struggle.“This project is of immense importance and its reopening will act as a catalyst to perpetuate the glorious legacy of Punjab to younger generations”, added Mr Sanjay Kumar.
The Additional Chief Secretary further said that this classic memorial of utmost historical significance and immense emotive value has been reopened to enable Punjabis to pay befitting tributes to several unsung heroes of national freedom struggle. He also said that supreme and unparalleled sacrifices made by the martyrs of the freedom struggle have been showcased in a proper perspective in this memorial. Mr. Sanjay Kumar also said that this memorial infuses the spirit of nationalism and patriotism amongst the youngsters thereby enabling them take pride in the country's rich legacy.
Earlier welcoming the Additional Chief Secretary on the occasion, Dr Barjinder Singh Hamdard apprised them about the project which has been a major source of attraction for the visitors from across the globe. He said that prior to its closing last year the memorial witnessed huge footfall of the visitors in its complex. Dr Hamdard said that re-opening of project was of immense significance as it will connect the Punjabis especially youth with its glorious cultural heritage.
On the occasion Additional Chief Secretary, Lok Sabha MP Chaudhary Santokh Singh, MLAs Pargat Singh, Mr Sushil Kumar Rinku, Mr Rajinder Beri, Chaudhary Surinder Singh, Mr Avtar Singh Bawa Henry and Mr Pawan Kumar Teenu, Chairman PUNSUP Mr Tejinder Singh Bittu, Mayor Jalandhar Municipal Corporation Mr Jagdish Raj Raja, Editor Uttam Hindu Mr Irwin Khanna, Executive Editor Dainik Savera Mr Abhishek Vij, Former Lieutenant Governor Puducherry Mr Iqbal Singh, Deputy Commissioner Mr Ghanshyam Thori, Commissioner of Police Mr Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, Inspector General of Police Mr RS khatra, SSP Jalandhar Mr Sandeep Garg, SSP Kapurthala Ms Kanwardeep Kaur, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Jalandhar Mr Karnesh Sharma, Trustee Ajit Mr Gurcharan Singh Syaal, Assistant Commissioner Mr Harpreet Singh, Secretary RTA Mr Barjinder Singh, Chairman Kartarpur Improvement Trust Mr Rajinder Pal Singh Rana, Mr Paramveer Singh and Mr Harpreet Singh, Executive Editor Ajit Mr Satnam Manak, senior journalist Mr Lakhwinder Johal, Chairman Lovely Group Mr Ramesh Mittal and Mr Naresh Mittal, Chairman CT group Mr Charanjit Singh Channi, Chairman Haveli group Mr Ajit Jain, Chairman Citizen Urban Cooperative Bank Mr KK Sharma, Deepak Bali, and others offered homage to the martyrs by placing wreath at the memorial.