“Leaders Should Learn from the Sacrifice of Martyrs”: Roshan Lal Sharma

YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Sharma said the sacrifices of freedom fighters should remain a source of inspiration and urged people to remember their courage, commitment and service to the nation.

YAMUNANAGAR: On Haryana Martyrs’ Day, Samaj Hitkari Sangathan president and philosopher Roshan Lal Sharma paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country and said the sacrifices of the nation’s martyrs should continue to inspire society and its leaders.

Sharma said paying homage to those who laid down their lives for the country should not remain merely a ceremonial duty. He said the occasion provides an opportunity to remember the courage, struggle and sacrifices through which generations of Indians fought for freedom. According to him, the risks undertaken by the freedom fighters and their determination to stand against powerful forces would remain an enduring part of history.

He said the country’s leaders should also draw lessons from the lives and struggles of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.

Remembering those who chose sacrifice over power

Sharma said history records the names of several rulers who rejected inducements offered first by the Mughals and later by the British and chose to resist them. He said many such rulers gave up their kingdoms, wealth and even their lives in defence of their principles and the country.

He also referred to people who, according to his account, sided with foreign powers and fought against Indian rulers and freedom fighters. Sharma said the contrasting roles played by different individuals during periods of national crisis should be studied carefully so that future generations can understand the importance of patriotism, responsibility and public interest.

Haryana Martyrs’ Day and Raja Rao Tula Ram

Sharma said September 23 is observed as Haryana Martyrs’ Day in memory of Raja Rao Tula Ram, whom he described as a symbol of courage and sacrifice. According to Sharma, Raja Rao Tula Ram was born on December 9, 1825, at Rampura village in Rewari, Haryana.

He said Rao Tula Ram lost his father, Rao Puran Singh, at the age of about 14 and assumed responsibility for the family at a young age. At the time, the East India Company was ruling large parts of the country. Sharma said Rao Tula Ram subsequently strengthened contacts with neighbouring rulers and leaders who opposed British authority.

Rao Tula Ram’s resistance to British rule

Sharma recalled that Rao Tula Ram established a fort at Rampura, Rewari, in 1856 and expanded his contacts with surrounding rulers and Nawabs. He said Rao Tula Ram fought against British forces during the period of the 1857 uprising.

He also referred to the battle at Naseebpur near Narnaul, where Indian forces fought the British. Sharma said several prominent fighters lost their lives during the conflict, including Rao Tula Ram’s brother Rao Ram Lal and commander Rao Krishna Gopal.

According to Sharma, Rao Tula Ram continued his efforts to seek support for the struggle against British rule and travelled to Iran, Russia and Kabul in search of assistance. He said assurances of support were received, but Rao Tula Ram died in Kabul on September 23, 1863.

Remembering sacrifice beyond a single day

Sharma said the legacy of Raja Rao Tula Ram should be remembered not only on Haryana Martyrs’ Day but throughout the year. He said the sacrifices made by freedom fighters should encourage citizens to place national interest above personal gain.

He further said that whenever the country faces a serious challenge, society must carefully examine the role of corruption, greed and self-interest so that those committed to the nation do not have to make sacrifices that could otherwise be prevented.

Sharma said remembering martyrs should therefore go beyond paying tribute. Their lives, he said, should serve as a reminder of courage, responsibility, sacrifice and commitment to the nation.

POD/DESK