Anti-Terrorist Front India national president Viresh Shandilya pays tribute to martyrs at the Shaheedi Smarak on Independence Day.
‘We must remain prepared to make every sacrifice to protect the Tricolour and the Constitution,’ says Anti-Terrorist Front India chief,Viresh Shandilya
KURUKSHETRA/PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
Anti-Terrorist Front India national president Viresh Shandilya on Friday paid tribute to the martyrs at the Shaheedi Smarak on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day and said that the freedom enjoyed by the people of India today was the result of the supreme sacrifices made by countless freedom fighters.
Shandilya offered floral tributes at the memorial and remembered the martyrs who laid down their lives during the country’s freedom struggle. He said that the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes had enabled millions of Indians to breathe freely in an independent country.
Addressing those present on the occasion, Shandilya said Independence Day should not be treated merely as an annual celebration. Rather, it should serve as a reminder of the responsibilities citizens have towards the nation, the Constitution and the national flag.
He said that the freedom secured after immense sacrifices must be protected with equal determination. According to him, every citizen should remain committed to safeguarding the country’s unity, sovereignty and democratic institutions.
Shandilya said the nation should remember the courage and sacrifice of freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Udham Singh, Ashfaqulla Khan, Madan Lal Dhingra, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Khudiram Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai and Chandrashekhar Azad.
He said the lives of these revolutionaries demonstrated that the freedom of the country had been achieved through extraordinary courage and sacrifice. He called upon citizens to draw inspiration from their lives and remain committed to protecting the country’s sovereignty.
‘Freedom must be celebrated every day’
The Anti-Terrorist Front India chief said Independence Day should not be remembered only on August 15. He urged citizens to develop a sense of patriotism in their everyday lives and continue remembering the sacrifices of those who fought for India’s freedom.
He suggested that citizens should respectfully display the national flag and keep photographs of freedom fighters in their homes as a reminder of their contribution to the nation.
“Freedom is not merely a historical achievement; it is also a responsibility,” he said, adding that every generation must understand the value of liberty and the sacrifices that made it possible.
Shandilya also recalled the anti-terror campaign undertaken by the Anti-Terrorist Front India. He said that 24 years ago, in 2002, the organisation had undertaken an anti-terrorism Rath Yatra from Delhi to Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the organisation had continued raising its voice against terrorism and forces that, according to him, sought to undermine India’s constitutional framework and national unity.
Call for action against extremist activities
Shandilya said he would continue his campaign against terrorism and forces that he believes are opposed to the Constitution and the Tricolour. He said that as long as he remained active in public life, he would continue raising his voice against terrorism and activities that threaten national unity.
He also called upon citizens to maintain communal harmony and protect the country’s unity while firmly opposing violence and terrorism.
He said that national security and social harmony should remain above political differences and that citizens should avoid allowing extremist ideologies to create divisions among communities.
Demand for stronger legal measures
Shandilya also made a demand before Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding organisations and individuals advocating Khalistan-related separatism. He called for stringent legal provisions against those involved in activities that threaten India’s sovereignty and constitutional order.
He further demanded strong legal action against those who, according to him, make provocative statements against the Constitution and the national flag.
While making these demands, Shandilya said that the government should ensure that any action taken is in accordance with the Constitution and the rule of law.
He said national security could be strengthened only when institutions, citizens and law-enforcement agencies worked together against terrorism and violence.
‘Remember the martyrs beyond ceremonial occasions’
Shandilya said that paying tribute to martyrs should not remain confined to official ceremonies. He urged citizens, particularly young people, to learn about the country’s freedom movement and the sacrifices made by revolutionaries and soldiers.
He said the stories of freedom fighters should reach the younger generation so that they understand the value of India’s independence and the responsibilities that accompany it.
He also stressed the importance of respecting the national flag and constitutional values while contributing positively to society.
The programme at the Shaheedi Smarak concluded with tributes to the martyrs and a renewed call for citizens to uphold national unity, constitutional values and the dignity of the Tricolour.
Shandilya said the country’s future would depend upon the collective commitment of its citizens to protect peace, unity, democracy and national sovereignty.
