Chief Minister, Along with Power Minister Anil Vij, Inspects Arrangements for Inauguration Ceremony and Mega Public Meeting at Gandhi Ground
Ambala: Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Haryana on November 5 to inaugurate the grand Shaheed Smarak at Ambala Cantonment, built in honour of the brave martyrs of the 1857 uprising, India’s First War of Independence.
Ahead of the high-profile event, Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, accompanied by Power Minister Shri Anil Vij, visited Ambala to review preparations for the inauguration ceremony and the proposed massive public meeting at Gandhi Ground. During the visit, the Chief Minister assessed the arrangements and issued necessary directions to the officials concerned to ensure the smooth conduct of the programme.
District administration officials briefed the Chief Minister on the preparations undertaken for the event, including arrangements for the memorial inauguration, public meeting, security, crowd management and other logistical requirements.
A National Memorial Dedicated to the Heroes of 1857
The ‘Azadi Ki Pehli Ladai Ka Shaheed Smarak–1857’ is being developed as a major national monument to commemorate the soldiers, farmers, women and ordinary citizens who participated in the uprising against British colonial rule. Spread across approximately 22 acres, the ambitious project has been built at an estimated cost of ₹800 crore.
The memorial features 23 galleries showcasing the history and important episodes of the 1857 uprising across Ambala, Meerut, Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat, Jhansi and other parts of the country. The names of more than 700 freedom fighters, identified through historical research, have been inscribed in gold to honour their sacrifices.
A major attraction of the complex is its 63-metre-high lotus-shaped structure, equipped with high-speed lifts. The memorial also incorporates advanced 360-degree projection technology, interactive digital displays, laser and sound shows to recreate significant events of the freedom struggle. Other facilities include a 2,500-seat open-air theatre and a 300-seat auditorium.
The memorial seeks to bring lesser-known chapters of India’s freedom struggle into the public domain and recognise the contribution of countless unsung heroes whose sacrifices deserve a prominent place in the nation’s historical narrative. It is also envisioned as an educational destination where students and younger generations can learn about the courage, unity and patriotism displayed during the 1857 uprising.
The inauguration ceremony is expected to be followed by the public meeting at Gandhi Ground. The memorial is scheduled to open to visitors from November 6.
The Tribune+1