Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 8: Freedom Fighters Memorial Association (FFMA) here on Thursday paid rich tributes to Mangal Pandey, the freedom fighter who inspired India's Independence struggle, on his 164nd death anniversary at Dogra Shaurya Sthal, Ambphalla, Jammu.
The function was organised by FFMA Chairman Ved Gandotra and Vice-Chairman Rajiv Mahajan in presence of President of Association, S.S Balwal besides other members of Association.
Speaking on the occasion, Balwal said that Mangal Pandey is notably remembered for standing-up against British and sparking Indian rebellion of 1857, which went on to inspire the struggle for Independence across the country. Born on July 19, 1827, in a Brahmin family, Pandey joined British East India Company as a soldier, when he was 18 years old.
Balwal regretted lack of awareness among youth about the country's freedom struggle and called for overall efforts to inculcate knowledge of history among masses. "The younger generation is not fully aware of the heroic sacrifices of freedom fighters that paved the way for our independence," Balwal said. "The martyrdom of Mangal Pandey at Barrackpore is a saga of heroism. We are proud of him. Commemorative programmes on Plassey and Sepoy Mutiny will help in enriching knowledge of history of the younger generation," he said.
Members also paid tributes to the security personnel who lost their lives in an ambush by Naxals in Bastar region.
Others present on the occasion included R.C Puri (Former President), Pritam Sharma, Brij Mehra, R.R Raina, JJ Singh, Brij Mehra, Parbhat Kapahi, Dr. Kaith and others. |
