Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday paid tribute to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev at the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, Ferozepur, on the occasion of Shaheedi Diwas. He also honoured the families of the martyrs and laid the foundation stone of the ₹24.99 crore Hussainiwala Heritage Complex, underlining his government’s commitment to preserving their legacy and building a vibrant Punjab inspired by their ideals.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, the Chief Minister said it is not only about remembering the sacrifice of these revolutionaries but also about carrying forward their fearless spirit and commitment to justice. He reaffirmed his resolve to serve the state and the nation in line with their vision and questioned why such iconic freedom fighters have still not been awarded the Bharat Ratna. He remarked that India’s path might have been very different if such courageous and youth driven leadership had shaped its early years.
Addressing the gathering, Mann criticised the tendency of some leaders to glorify themselves while neglecting the contributions of true martyrs. He said many have named stadiums and institutions after themselves during their lifetime but have done little to honour Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, who sacrificed their lives at a young age for the country’s freedom.
He further stated that after independence, those who did not actively participate in the freedom struggle occupied positions of power and claimed credit. According to him, the legacy of these revolutionaries has often been reduced to symbolic gestures, even though their ideas once inspired large sections of society. He added that their early execution was aimed at silencing their growing influence among the masses.
Speaking about the cost of independence, Mann said the country paid a heavy price during Partition, with massive loss of life and displacement. He remarked that while earlier generations endured immense suffering, those in power today often fail to fully appreciate those sacrifices.
He also criticised remarks suggesting that India attained real independence only in recent years, calling such claims an insult to the sacrifices of freedom fighters. He expressed concern over attempts to downplay Bhagat Singh’s role, saying it is wrong to reduce a martyr of his stature to anything less than what he truly represents.
Urging people to draw inspiration from the martyrs, the Chief Minister said their stories continue to motivate generations and should be remembered beyond anniversaries. He emphasised that Bhagat Singh belongs to the entire nation and that following his ideals can pave the way for Punjab’s prosperity.
He pointed out that political priorities have often been misplaced, with leaders focusing on self promotion rather than honouring national heroes. He recalled the efforts made to name Mohali airport after Bhagat Singh, stating that it required persistent follow up with the Centre before it was finally approved. He also announced that Halwara airport will be named after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, whom Bhagat Singh considered his mentor.
Mann highlighted the importance of youth in leadership, suggesting that if young leaders like Bhagat Singh had taken charge in the early years after independence, the country’s progress might have been very different. He noted that young leadership is making an impact in other countries and said India could have benefited similarly.
Emphasising the need to go beyond symbolic remembrance, he said people should understand and follow the ideology of the martyrs rather than limiting their memory to specific days. He added that while history is often memorised for exams, its deeper meaning is frequently overlooked.
Recalling Bhagat Singh’s life, he said the revolutionary chose the path of struggle over personal life at a very young age. He expressed concern over superficial displays of admiration and urged people to adopt the values he stood for instead of merely celebrating his image.
Calling for collective action, the Chief Minister said real change can be achieved through the power of the vote and by electing the right leadership. He encouraged people to take a pledge to follow the path shown by the martyrs and work towards building a stronger Punjab.
He described Hussainiwala as a sacred place where the last rites of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev were performed and said it continues to inspire generations. Mann said he felt honoured to visit the site and pay tribute to Bhagat Singh, who laid down his life at the age of 23. He reiterated that the government will make every effort to realise the vision of the great revolutionary.
He added that Bhagat Singh’s sacrifice inspired countless young people during the freedom struggle and continues to motivate youth today to serve the nation selflessly.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of the Hussainiwala Heritage Complex. He said the project is aimed at preserving the legacy of the martyrs while also promoting tourism in the region. The planned complex will include a grand entrance, a dedicated corridor showcasing the lives of the martyrs, wall art, landscaped parks and memorial spaces. It will also feature thematic installations based on historical events, a 3D mapping show on the old bridge, a musical fountain, play areas for children, facilities for senior citizens, as well as solar power and clean drinking water infrastructure.
