The Revolt of 1857 Began in Ambala; Its Glorious History Will Now Reach the World: Anil Vij
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates Asia’s Largest Shaheedi Smarak Dedicated to the Revolt of 1857, Spread Across 22 Acres in Ambala
Dream of Shaheedi Smarak Realised After 25 Years of Struggle; Bhoomi Pujan Was Performed on May 10, 2015: Vij
Anil Vij Pays Tribute to Known and Unknown Heroes of 1857, Touches Ambala Cantonment’s Soil to His Forehead in Reverence
Chandigarh
Haryana Energy and Transport Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the bugle of the Revolt of 1857 was sounded from the soil of Ambala Cantonment even before Meerut, but this glorious chapter of history did not receive the recognition it deserved. To bring the contribution of Ambala Cantonment’s brave soldiers and revolutionaries in India’s freedom struggle before the world, Asia’s largest Shaheedi Smarak dedicated to the Revolt of 1857 has been developed across 22 acres. The Smarak was inaugurated by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Sh. Amit Shah. It will acquaint future generations with the sacrifices and struggles made for India’s Independence.
Sh. Vij was addressing a public gathering organised after the inauguration of the Shaheedi Smarak. He said that since childhood, students had been taught in schools and colleges that the freedom struggle was fought by the Congress. However, a deeper study of history revealed that the actual history of the Revolt of 1857 was far more extensive. He said preparations for the uprising against British rule had begun in Ambala even before May 10, 1857. British government records, including the gazetteer of 1923–24, which was prepared during British rule, also mention a revolt by soldiers at Ambala Cantonment on May 10.
He said that the study of historians’ books, documents of British officers and old maps had brought to light several significant facts about the struggle in Ambala. Action was taken to suppress soldiers who raised their voices against British rule. Official records also mention an incident at the Parade Ground in August, where 135 Indian soldiers were killed in firing within just 10 minutes. He said he had consistently raised his voice for nearly 25 years and approached successive governments demanding the construction of a memorial to ensure that these brave soldiers received the recognition and honour they deserved.
Sh. Vij said he had raised the demand during the Congress government’s tenure as well. The then Chief Minister Sh. Bhupinder Singh Hooda had assured him that the memorial would be constructed after verification of the historical documents, but the dream could not be realised at that time. After the BJP government came to power in 2014, he presented all the historical documents to the then Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal, who approved the construction of the memorial. Today, the grand Shaheedi Smarak stands completed across 22 acres in Ambala.
He said the Bhoomi Pujan of the memorial was performed on May 10, 2015, with the aim of carrying forward the tradition of observing the day as a national festival. Subsequently, the foundation stone was laid on May 11, 2015, by the then Chief Minister Sh. Manohar Lal.
The Minister said the memorial houses 22 galleries depicting, through modern technology, the struggles and sacrifices of revolutionaries from Ambala to Meerut and across the country, including Rani Lakshmibai and Rao Tula Ram. Visitors would need to spend at least six hours to fully explore and understand the history presented at the memorial.
A 63-metre-high memorial tower in the shape of a lotus, which holds historical significance, has also been constructed at the site. The memorial also features a 300-seat auditorium, lifts and other modern facilities.
Sh. Vij said a special arrangement has been made at the memorial to pay tribute to the martyrs. When a visitor enters the designated tribute gallery and places their hand on a digital touchscreen, their name will be recorded and a flame will rise towards the sky in their honour. This arrangement symbolises respect and gratitude towards the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Sh. Anil Vij expressed gratitude to Union Home and Cooperation Minister Sh. Amit Shah, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal, BJP In-charge Smt. Smriti Irani, and all other dignitaries and people present at the event.
During his address, Sh. Anil Vij paid homage to the countless known and unknown heroes by reverently touching the soil of Ambala Cantonment to his forehead as a mark of respect for their sacrifices.