Daijiworld Media Network - Ambala

Ambala, Nov 5: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ could become a reality only because of the sacrifices made by the country's martyrs, as he inaugurated the ‘Azadi Ki Pehli Ladai Ka Shaheed Smarak’ in Ambala, built in memory of the heroes of the first war of Indian independence in 1857.

Addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony, Shah said the freedom struggle of 1857 began in Ambala on May 10 and shook the foundations of the British Empire.

“Ambala is the very ground where the freedom struggle of 1857 began on May 10. This struggle shook the foundations of the British Empire. The revolution of 1857 was not just a rebellion, but a genuine struggle for freedom,” he said.

Emphasising the importance of honouring freedom fighters, Shah said remembering the heroes of the country's freedom movement was the supreme duty of every Indian. He added that the memorial would become a major source of patriotic inspiration for the youth and adolescents across the country.

“Today, Haryana, though small in size, contributes the highest number of soldiers to the Indian armed forces,” he said.

Shah said no country could progress unless it understood the value of freedom, honoured the martyrs who shed their blood for it and rewrote the pages of history in golden letters to recognise their sacrifices.

The inauguration was held as part of the Haryana Foundation Day celebrations. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, members of the Haryana Cabinet and other dignitaries were present.

Spread over approximately 22 acres and developed at an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore, the memorial commemorates the courage, sacrifice and contribution of thousands of freedom fighters who rose against British rule during the 1857 uprising.

The complex seeks to highlight Ambala's significant role in the freedom struggle and bring greater recognition to heroes whose contributions have not received adequate attention in mainstream historical accounts.

One of the major attractions of the memorial is the inscription of the names of more than 700 martyrs in golden letters. The museum incorporates modern technologies, including digital presentations, interactive displays, 360-degree projections and laser and sound shows, to recreate important episodes of the uprising and familiarise visitors with India's struggle for Independence.

The complex houses 23 galleries showcasing different aspects and developments of the 1857 revolt across various parts of the country. It is designed to serve as an important centre for historical learning, research and tourism.

Ambala holds a significant place in the history of the 1857 uprising, with historical research and archival documents highlighting the role played by soldiers stationed at Ambala Cantonment in the early resistance against British rule.

The memorial aims to bring this lesser-known chapter of India's freedom movement into the spotlight. Following its inauguration, the complex is scheduled to open to the public from November 6.