Involve people in observing 'Martyrs' Day': Centre to states

New Delhi, Jan 10: All states have been asked to involve general people going about their daily chores unmindful of the solemnity of Martyrs' Day in remembering those who laid down their lives for the country.

In a directive, the Home Ministry has asked the states and union territories to issue instructions to all educational institutes and public sector enterprises under their jurisdiction for observance of the Martyrs' Day with full solemnity and in a befitting manner.

It also asked them to ensure that silence is observed, work and movement stopped for two minutes throughout the country at 11 AM on January 30, which is observed as Martyrs Day. Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on this day in 1948.

"In the past it has been observed that while two minutes' silence is observed in some offices, the general public goes about its occupation in the ordinary course, unmindful of the solemnity of the occasion.

"The state governments and union territories are therefore requested to take necessary steps to ensure that the Martyrs' Day is observed with due solemnity and with better public participation," the Home Ministry communique reads.

Speeches and talks connected with the significance of the day, particularly mentioning the role of freedom fighters, may be made, it said.

"The theme of talks and speeches could also deal with the duty and the moral obligation of every citizen to preserve, protect and enrich the hard-earned freedom and to promote a sense of national integration and commitment to common goals and ideals," the order said.

Field publicity units of states and union territories may hold programmes and films with the basic themes of Indian freedom movement, the role of martyrs in the freedom struggle and national integration.

Various chambers of commerce and industry may also be requested to ensure proper observance of the Martyrs' Day by their members and affiliated associations and organisations, it said.

PTI