No cap on funds for the ‘Dream Project’ of Jang-E-Azaadi Memorial: Badal

By Punjabnewswire4u

CHANDIGARH, JULY 18

          Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today reviewed the progress of the prestigious ‘Jang-e-Azaadi’ memorial at Kartarpur in Jalandhar district and assured the foundation that there would be no cap on the funds required for the completion of this world class ‘dream project’.

          The Chief Minister was updated about the developments of the projects so far by the Member Secretary of the Jang-e-Azaadi Foundation Dr Barjinder Singh Hamdard here in its 3^rd meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence this afternoon. Mr. Badal envisioned this project to be a lighthouse for inspiring the younger generations on one hand and acquaint them about our rich legacy of patriotism and nationalism thereby showcasing the superb contribution of Punjabis in the national freedom struggle on the other. The Chief Minister categorically said, “Such projects of paramount national importance and emotional values cannot be merely restricted within the framework of fixed funds”.

The Chief Minister reiterated his firm resolves to complete this gigantic project in Punjab, which spearheaded many watershed movements and revolutions like Bhai Maharaj Singh, Kuka, Arya Samaj, Kisan Jagriti, Ghadar, Gurdwara Reforms, Babbar Akali, Kamagata Maru episode and many others. Mr. Badal underscored the need to develop this project as an attractive tourist destination so that it should be a part of the itinerary of every tourist visiting Amritsar from India and abroad. He also asked the foundation to entrust the civil works of the memorial to one of the country’s renowned construction companies so that this memorial could also be developed as an ‘Architectural Marvel’.   

The Chief Minister gave approval to the foundation for engaging the services of eminent Film Maker of international repute Mr. Shyam Benegal for production of four films of one hour duration each in Punjabi, Hindi and English depicting the historic freedom movements covering the period from 1840 to 1948. These films were meant for showing to the people visiting the memorial so that they could ‘enliven the saga’ of freedom struggle during which countless Punjabis were subjected to the tyranny unleashed by the British Raj. The basic concept of these films and the proposed Laser Show was to infuse a spirit of patriotism and nationalism amongst the people especially the younger generations who had been deprived of their glorious heritage of valor and unparalleled sacrifices due to lack of knowledge. Dr. Hamdard apprised the Chief Minister that Mr. Benegal, while expressing his keenness to associate with this prestigious project, has highly appreciated the unique concept of the state government to erect this state of the art memorial which would a befitting tribute to the supreme sacrifices of several unsung heroes besides serving as a bridge between the Freedom struggle to free our motherland from yoke of foreign imperialism and the younger generations, majority of which were unaware about it.   

The Chief Minister gave nod to the various proposals put forth by Dr. Hamdard including the appointment of Price Water House Coppers (PWC) as project consultant, which would help the foundation in the selection of Architect, modalities related to laser shows and other aspects related to the Jang-e-Azaadi memorial besides allowing three members of executive committee namely former MP Mr. Tarlochan Singh, MLA Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema and State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma to attend the meetings of the foundation from time to time as Special Invitees to enable them to give their vital inputs.

The Chief Minister also gave a go ahead to constitute a committee under Chairmanship of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur with Financial Commissioner Revenue, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board and Deputy Commissioner for ammicable resolution of issue related to 15 acres land of Punjab Mandi Board adjoining the memorial site.   

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Minister Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. Som Parkash, MP Rajya Sabha Mr. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, former Ministers Jathedar Ranjit Singh Brahampura, Jathedar Sewa Singh Sekhwan and senior BJP leader Mr. Balram Ji Dass Tandon, former MP Tarlochan Singh, State BJP President Mr. Kamal Sharma, Financial Commissioner Revenue Mr. NS Kang, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu and Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs Mr SS Channy.