Paying respect to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the sacrifice of Chauri Chaura was a symbol of India's expression where there was a confluence of commitment, motivation, and maturity.
"Chauri Chaura Shatabdi Mahotsav is the anthem of the heroic saga of freedom fighters' sacrifice. Every street of the state, every educational institution, every crossroad should buzz with the heroic tales of martyrs so that the future generation is not ignorant of the excellent tradition of sacrifice and can imbibe it easily," the chief minister said while addressing the inauguration of the centenary celebrations of the Chauri Chaura incident.
The chief minister along with Governor Anandiben Patel took part in the event that was held at Chauri Chaura Memorial in Gorakhpur on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the event via video conferencing.
As a tribute to the unsung heroes of the freedom struggle and to sensitise the young generation about the valour of the little known or unknown freedom fighters, the Yogi government has decided to hold year-long centenary celebrations of the historic event.
Invoking the valour of the freedom fighters and their sacrifices in the wake of the Chauri Chaura uprising which took place on February 4, 1922, the chief minister said that the incident had given a new direction to India's Independence movement against the British rule.
"We are gathered here today to pay reverence and respect to all those immortal sacrifices," the chief minister said.
Talking about Atmanirbhar Bharat, the chief minister said that Swachhta, Swavalamban and Swadeshi all together would lead us towards making India self-reliant.
"Inculcating these in our daily lives will be a true spirit of nationality,'' he pointed out.
Explaining the meaning of the logo of the centenary celebrations released by the UP government on the occasion, the chief minister said that the words 'Swarakte, Swarashtram Rakshyet' meant 'Tera vaibhav amar rahe Maa, hum din char rahe na rahe' (we protect our nation with our blood) ."
Remembering the incident, the Chief Minister Yogi said, "We all know that on February 4, 1922, a group of people clashed with the police. The police then opened fire which led to the death of three freedom fighters. As many as 228 people were prosecuted by the British rule at that time, in which 225 people were punished in various ways by the British government. At least 19 freedom fighters were given death sentences, 14 were given life imprisonment and 19 were put behind the bars for eight years."
Yogi Adityanath regretted that this chapter of the freedom struggle had been consigned to anonymity, adding that from now onwards this place would be a new teerth (pilgrimage).
The programme started with the police band playing and floral tributes being paid to the martyrs.
The centenary celebrations will be marked by the illumination of all the martyrs' memorials in the state along with a series of events to invoke the sacrifices of the freedom fighters.
Ending his speech, Yogi said: "Let us remember the true sons of our nation who sacrificed their lives in the freedom struggle of the country and pay tribute to them. Chauri Chaura Shatabdi Mahotsav is the anthem of the heroic saga of freedom fighters' sacrifice."
