Please remember the sacrifice!!

Punjab, though a small state in terms of area and population, has made unparalleled and exemplary sacrifices for the country’s freedom. The soil of Punjab has instilled in its people the spirit of living with pride and honor. The lines from the renowned poet Professor Puran Singh’s poem Jawan Punjab De beautifully encapsulate the sacrificial spirit of Punjabis:

"eh carefree young man Punjab de,
              mocking death,
     they was not afraid of death"

Today, we recall one such immortal example of Punjab’s pride and sacrifice—Shaheed Udham Singh. Among the warriors who fought for the country’s independence, the prominent name of Sardar Udham Singh stands tall. Born on December 26, 1899, in the small town of Sunam in Punjab, Udham Singh, whose childhood name was Sher Singh, came from a politically aware family. The entire nation was reeling under the oppressive policies and atrocities of the British government, filled with a spirit of rebellion. 
During this period, on April 13, 1919, during the festival of Vaisakhi, the British army opened fire indiscriminately on a peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, martyring hundreds and severely injuring thousands. This military action was led by British Commander General Reginald Dyer, and the then-Governor of Punjab, Sir Michael O’Dwyer, supported this inhumane act.
Approximately 21 years after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, on March 13, 1940, Sardar Udham Singh shot and killed Michael O’Dwyer during a public meeting at Caxton Hall in London. Udham Singh was arrested on the spot, tried in court, and sentenced to death. This great son of Punjab’s soil was hanged on July 31, 1940, in Pentonville Prison, London. Udham Singh had adopted the name Ram Mohammad Singh Azad, where the first three words represent the three major religions of Punjab, and the last word, Azad (freedom), symbolizes his rebellion against colonialism.
Today, the unparalleled sacrifice of Shaheed Udham Singh Ji is being remembered across the country, with various organizations holding commemorative events. The Punjab government has also declared a public holiday. If we reflect seriously, is it enough to merely celebrate the birth anniversaries of martyrs or observe their martyrdom days by closing schools and offices and holding events under canopies? Perhaps not.
 The great martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the prime of their youth for our country—Sardar Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Sardar Kartar Singh Sarabha, Lala Lajpat Rai, and countless other known and unknown heroes—likely did not envision an India or Punjab like the one we live in today. These were true patriots who, without any selfish motives, always prioritized the nation’s welfare over personal or family interests. Born from the womb of Mother India, they reached the threshold of youth and sacrificed their lives for her. This was their true religion and love for Bharat Mata.
Today, the widespread communal intolerance in our country dims the melodies of patriotism. Reports of violence, black-market profiteering, and crime from various places disturb our serious thoughts. Even today, there is a need to ignite the spark of patriotism in every heart. We must contribute to creating a society and nation where our children and youth have a secure future. India is a beautiful example of unity in diversity. Our existence emerged from a nationwide nationalist movement. In modern India, patriotism is rooted in equality, respect, and freedom of expression. 
In a few days, we will celebrate Independence Day, and preparations for it have already begun. Just as the freedom fighters tirelessly struggled to liberate the country from British rule before August 15, 1947, we must confront the evils plaguing our country and society today—such as social exploitation, hoarding, corruption, and communal conflicts—with the same fervor and determination with which our nation’s brave heroes fought to free the country from the chains of slavery.

-Davinder Kumar