Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday paid tributes to freedom fighter Gulab Singh Lodhi on his death anniversary, and said the state government was committed to keeping alive the memory of freedom fighters.
Addressing a gathering at Jhandewala Park in Aminabad, where Lodhi had unfurled the tricolour during the freedom movement, Adityanath recalled his supreme sacrifice for India's Independence.
The chief minister said the state had named a park, health centre and police training college in Unnao after Lodhi as a mark of respect.
Adityanath said Lodhi had challenged the British empire and had unfurled the flag at the park.
He recalled that Lodhi was shot dead by British officers but left behind a "golden chapter" of India's freedom struggle for future generations.
Born in 1903 in Unnao, Lodhi actively participated in the freedom movement and later came to Lucknow, where he laid down his life for the country's independence, Adityanath said.
"Just 12 years after his martyrdom, the country became free from British rule," he said.
Adityanath also highlighted steps taken by the state government to honour other freedom fighters and social reformers.
{{/usCountry}}Adityanath also highlighted steps taken by the state government to honour other freedom fighters and social reformers.
{{/usCountry}}He said a stadium in Aligarh and a new Provincial Armed Constabulary battalion in Badaun had been named after Veerangana Avanti Bai Lodhi, while a women's PAC battalion in Lucknow had also been named after her.
A newly established women's PAC battalion in Gorakhpur was named after Veerangana Jhalkari Bai Kori, while a new medical college in Auraiya was named after Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, he said.
"These are all names of people who contributed to India's freedom and sacrificed everything to ensure that the country attained independence," Adityanath said.
The chief minister said the state government would continue its programme of constructing memorials and preserving the memories of freedom fighters and martyrs.
He also said the government had recently sanctioned nearly ₹500 crore for the protection and development of sites and statues associated with social justice icons, including B R Ambedkar, Sant Ravidas and Maharishi Valmiki.
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