Udham Singh memorial lies in neglect

Fatehgarh Sahib, July 31 (UNI) Though the Punjab government observed the 68th martyrdom day of Shaheed Udham Singh today at a state-level function in Sunam, the memorial to martyr at Rouza Sharif here, lies in a state of neglect.

The memorial was set up when the urn containing the Martyr's ashes was brought from London by the then Punjab Chief Minister Giani Zail Singh in 1975 and buried here to fulfil Udham Singh's wish to have his funeral service performed according to traditions of all major religions.

The government officials and local leaders today gathered as usual to pay their tributes to the martyr and the doors of the memorial were opened for the annual ritual as rich tributes were paid to Udham Singh by Deputy Commissioner Alaknanda Dayal, Sirhind MLA Didar Singh Bhatti and former Forest Minister Dr Harbans Lal.

However, once the function was over, hardly any attention was paid to the locked memorial as the administration had failed in creating awareness about it and there is not even a signboard on the road leading to the monument.

Though students of Neta Ji Modal School, Rupnager came this year to pay tributes to the martyr, the local students were conspicuous by their absence.

So far, many leaders have made announcements ragarding projects and sanctions, including roping in a renowned architect to develop the memorial at Rouza Sharif, nothing has happened so far with the authorities withholding grants due to ''lack of funds.'' Thus, even the simple proposals like displaying photographs and life history of all the martyrs of the district at the monument and providing it regular maintenance, have failed to take off.

However, with no help forthcoming from the Punjab government, the local organisations have now come forward in a bid to provide that place of pride to the monument which it deserves.

Punjab Youth Club has offered to chip in for the proper maintenance of the memorial. Its members have collected around Rs 80,000 from people for beautification of the memorial and they also plan to spread awareness about the place to make it popular among locals as well as visitors.

Taking a cue, Sirhind MLA Didar Singh Bhatti today announced grant of Rs 51,000 for the development of the monument and village Talania resident Karamjit Singh Bath also pladged to donate Rs 11,000 for this purpose.

UNI