1857 memorial to be set up in Ambala

Chandigarh, May 8 (UNI) The Haryana government has decided to erect a memorial at Ambala in the memory of the martyrs who laid down their lives in the First War of Independence of 1857.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the State Level Committee constituted to celebrate the 150th Anniversary. The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Haryana Education Minister Phool Chand Mullana, an official spokesman said today.

The state government decided to celebrations in a befitting manner.During these celebrations a number of programmes would be organised throughout the state to apprise the youth about the sacrifices and contribution made by the great freedom fighters and martyrs of the state.

Mr Mullana said in addition to the memorial at Ambala, a museum giving an insight into the 1857 struggle would also be set up in Kurukshetra University.

Besides, parks would also be set up in those villages which belonged to the patriots who laid their lives during the freedom struggle to keep alive the memory of the brave feats of our warriors.

It was also decided that freedom fighters of the state would be honoured at district as well as state level on August 15.

Mr Maulana also directed the heads of the History Departments of Kurukshetra University and MD University, Rohtak, that a compact book about the freedom struggle and contribution of the state be compiled.

He said a number of seminars, declamation contest, essay writing, painting and poster making competitions would also be organised at school, college and university levels to apprise the students about the contribution of the people of the state during the freedom struggle and awards would be given to the students for their excellent performance in these competitions.

He said awards would be instituted after the name of great martyrs including Rao Tula Ram and the Nawab of Jhajjar.

Chief Secretary Prem Prashant directed the officers of the Public Relations and Cultural Affairs Department that a telefilm be prepared and it should be screened in the cinema houses and on cable TV so that the youth could be motivated towards the spirit of nationalism and patriotism.

UNI