(MOREPIC1)VIKRAM DITYA SHARMA/FEROZEPORE
The Saragarhi War Memorial, the foundation stone of which was laid down by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann during his visit to Saragarhi during a state level function on the occasion of 126th anniversary of the historic battle of Saragahri which took place on September 12, 1897, is ready for its inauguration.
While divulging details, Rajesh Dhiman Deputy Commissioner said that an estimated amount of Rs. 2 crores has been spent on the construction of this magnificent 30 ft high memorial which include 14 ft tall statue of Hawaldar Ishar Singh encircled by 41 ft wide and 14 ft tall wall depicting the sacrifices made by these 21 soldiers.
Besides the memorial, an eight ft tall statue of Havaldar Ishar Singh has also been constructed. it is pertinent to mention here that this will be the first such statue of Havaldar Ishar Singh, which will be setup in India. Three years ago, a ten foot tall bronze statue was setup in Wolverhampton UK.
(SUBHEAD)Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Dhiman said that this memorial will help in boosting the tourism in this border region which has the potential to become a major tourist hub. “ In future, there is project in which the entire road from the Saragarhi to the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala will be converted as a “Heritage Road”, said DC Dhiman.
Ranbir Bhullar, MLA (Urban) said that the previous governments only made fake promises but done nothing in reality for this historical memorial. “Recently a museum depicting the Saragarhi war had been setup by the state government and now the government has fulfilled its promise to construct a memorial in the memory of the brave Sikh soldiers. Besides, several other projects have been initiated to boost tourism in this border district”, said Bhullar.
It is pertinent to mention here that Saragarhi memorial was raised by the British to commemorate the valour of the 21 sikh soliders of the 36 Sikh Regiment of the British Army, who laid down their lives after during the fierce battle with more than 10000 Afridis during the battle of Saragarhi on September 12, 1897 in North West Frontier Province.
