Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij said that the Azadi ki Pahli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak in Ambala Cantonment will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Since the revolution started on May 10, 1857, efforts are being made to complete the construction by May 10, with continuous day and night work.
Sh. Vij was speaking to media persons after inspecting the memorial site in Ambala Cantonment. During this visit, he also gave directions to the officials. BJP workers and departmental officers were present on the occasion.
*Recreating Historic Scenes in the Museum*
Sh Anil Vij saidthat all the key events of the 1857 struggle will be recreated in the museum. The museum will showcase Ambala, Meerut, Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate, Rani of Jhansi, Tatya Tope, Gujarat, and Hyderabad to depict the historical struggle. He mentioned that historians have thoroughly researched the locations of the 1857 revolution to ensure historical accuracy.
*Visitors Will Experience the Era of 1857*
He explained that the museum will have multiple galleries featuring recreated scenes from 1857. Visitors will feel like they have stepped into that era as they witness the social and economic conditions that led to the revolution. The museum will also display the residences of British officers, as historical records indicate that revolutionaries started burning British residences in March 1857, though the uprising officially began in May.
*Exhibiting the Controversial Greased Cartridges*
Sh.Vij highlighted that the museum will also showcase the depot where the infamous greased cartridges were stored, which played a crucial role in sparking the rebellion. These cartridges were manufactured in three locations in India: Dumdum, Sialkot, and Ambala Cantonment. Soldiers from nearby cantonments would visit these depots, where they discussed their grievances, ultimately leading to the uprising.
*63-Meter-High Lotus Monument as a Symbol of the Revolution*
The Azadi ki Pahli Ladai ka Shaheed Smarak will feature a 63-meter-high lotus monument with an elevator, offering visitors a panoramic view of the city. Vij explained that the lotus flower and bread played significant roles in the 1857 uprising, serving as symbols of resistance exchanged between different revolutionary units. The complex also includes an open-air theatre with seating for 2,000 people and a water body where visitors can enjoy boat rides.
*Daily Light, Sound, and Laser Show*
A light, sound, and laser show will be held daily at the memorial. A renowned director from Mumbai has been hired to manage these performances. Vij emphasized that the goal is to complete the project by May 10 and have Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate it.
*Tribute Point for Forgotten Martyrs*
The memorial will feature a tribute point where visitors can pay homage to unsung heroes of the 1857 revolution. When visitors offer their respects, lights will illuminate a tree, symbolizing remembrance. Additionally, 40 monitors will be installed where visitors can pay tribute to the revolutionaries.
*Names of 700 Unsung Heroes to Be Engraved in Gold*
Sh. Vij revealed that the museum will also feature trees where Indian soldiers were hanged and shot by the British. Since no official records exist of these soldiers, an extensive research effort has identified 700 names, which will be inscribed in golden letters inside the memorial. A committee of top historians has been formed to ensure authenticity, and more names may be added in the future if verified.
*14 Selfie Points to Attract Visitors*
The memorial will have 14 selfie points placed at various locations, designed to be a major attraction for visitors.
*The 1857 Revolt Predates the Formation of Congress by 28 Years*
Sh. Vij emphasized that the First War of Independence took place in 1857—28 years before the Congress Party was formed. It was a military rebellion against the British Empire, which ruled over vast territories across the world. However, the revolutionaries were never adequately honored. To commemorate their sacrifices, Asia’s largest museum dedicated to the 1857 revolution is being built.
*Cabinet Minister Anil Vij’s Directives During Inspection*
During his inspection, Minister Vij issued several key directives in which included Paintings depicting the 1857 revolution should be displayed at the entry points and vacant walls of the memorial. Sensor-based water taps should be installed throughout the memorial.Potted plants should be placed in decorative brass or other aesthetically pleasing containers.
Landscaping should be done at various locations within the memorial. Fountains and lighting should be added in the open courtyard.Large trees should be planted instead of small plants.
A detailed depiction of the Ambala Cantonment revolution should be included. A dispensary should be established in the memorial for visitors’ health needs.Binoculars should be installed on the top floor of the Memorial Tower for visitors to view Ambala. A café should also be set up on the top floor.Tenders should be issued for the allocation of food counters within the memorial complex.
