Punjab commemorates 170th martyrdom day of General Sham Singh Attari

AMRITSAR : Reiterating the firm commitment of the state government to preserve the rich-cultural heritage of the state, the Punjab Welfare Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike today said that the state government has pumped in nearly Rs 1000 crore for constructing the memorials to immortalize the memory of the great and unparalleled role played by our great heroes and martyrs in shaping the course of human history. Addressing the gathering in the state level function to mark 170thmartyrdom day of General Sham Singh Attariwala here today Mr. Ranike gave a clarion call to younger generations to tread the path shown by our great martyrs to realize their dream of healthy society. Accompanied by former Arunachal Pradesh Governor and Chief of Army Staff Gen. J.J. Singh and other dignitaries, Mr. Ranike, while paying the floral tributes to the legendary General, said that Punjab Government was fully committed to keep younger generations intact with our rich heritage.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam, descendants of General Attariwala namely Col. Harinder Singh Attari and Col Kuldip Singh Sidhu, the Minister further said that strenuous efforts have been made by the state government to preserve the glorious cultural legacy of the state by building world class monuments at a cost of nearly Rs 1000 crore.Recalling the peerless sacrifice made by General Sham Singh Attariwal in the first Anglo-Sikh war at Sabraon on this day in 1846, Mr. Ranike said that Sardar Sham Singh Attari was one of the greatest warriors of India, who, preferred death to thralldom and by his own example made it clear to his countrymen that nothing was more precious than independence and freedom from the foreign yoke. Former Governor of Arunachal Pradesh and Chief of Army Staff Gen J.J. Singh also paid floral tributes to the legendary Sikh general. In his address former Army Chief said the sacrifice made by General Attariwala was a sacrifice for prestige of country, which had also been admired by Britishers after the Sabraon war culminated in. He said that General Sham Singh Attariwala would always be a source of inspiration for our younger generations, who fought against the British forces till last breath and did not leave battlefield.