Ambala, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ was possible because of the sacrifices made by martyrs, while highlighting Ambala’s role in the 1857 uprising.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Azadi Ki Pehli Ladai Ka Shaheed Smarak in Ambala, Shah said the freedom struggle of 1857 began in the city on May 10 and shook the foundations of the British Empire.
“Ambala is the very ground where the freedom struggle of 1857 began on May 10. This struggle shook the foundations of the British Empire. The revolution of 1857 was not just a rebellion, but a genuine struggle for freedom,” he said.
Shah said honouring the heroes of India’s freedom struggle was the supreme duty of every citizen. He described the memorial as a source of patriotic inspiration for young people across the country.
The event was organised as part of Haryana Foundation Day celebrations. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, his Cabinet colleagues and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar were among the dignitaries present.
The Home Minister said no country could progress without understanding the value of freedom and honouring those who sacrificed their lives for it. He added that the memorial would inspire future generations to remember the country’s freedom struggle.
Spread over approximately 22 acres and developed at an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore, the memorial commemorates thousands of freedom fighters who participated in the 1857 uprising against British rule.
One of its major attractions is the inscription of the names of more than 700 martyrs in golden letters. The complex features 23 galleries showcasing different aspects of the revolt across the country.
The museum uses digital presentations, interactive displays, 360-degree projections and laser and sound shows to recreate important episodes of the uprising. It is designed to serve as a centre for historical learning, research and tourism.
The memorial also seeks to highlight the role of soldiers stationed at Ambala Cantonment in the early resistance against British rule, bringing greater attention to this chapter of the freedom movement.
Following its inauguration, the memorial is scheduled to open to the public on November 6.
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