Noted filmmaker of international repute Shyam Benegal will produce four films showcasing Punjab’s contribution in India’s freedom struggle.
The four movies — of one hour duration each — would be made in three languages —Punjabi, Hindi and English —depicting the historic freedom movements covering the period from 1840 to 1948, especially Punjab’s contribution. The approval to engage Benegal for production of these films was given by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to the Jang-e-Azaadi Foundation during its third meeting at the Chief Minister’s residence on Thursday.
These films were meant for showing to the people visiting the Jang-e-Azaadi Memorial so that they could “enliven the saga” of freedom struggle during which countless Punjabis were subjected to the tyranny unleashed by the British Raj. The basic concept of these films and the proposed laser show was to infuse a spirit of patriotism and nationalism amongst the people especially the younger generations who had been deprived of their glorious heritage of valor and unparalleled sacrifices due to lack of knowledge.
Foundation’s member secretary of Dr Barjinder Singh Hamdard apprised the Chief Minister that Benegal, while expressing his keenness to associate with this prestigious project, has highly appreciated the unique concept of the State Government. He said that Benegal was appreciative of the State Government’s move to erect this state of the art memorial which would be a befitting tribute to the supreme sacrifices of several unsung heroes besides serving as a bridge between the freedom struggle and the younger generations, majority of which were unaware about it.
Reviewing the progress of the prestigious Jang-e-Azaadi memorial at Kartarpur in Jalandhar district, Badal also assured the foundation that there would be no cap on the funds required for the completion of this world class ‘dream project’. “Such projects of paramount national importance and emotional values cannot be merely restricted within the framework of fixed funds,” he added.
Badal underscored the need to develop this project as an attractive tourist destination so that it should be a part of the itinerary of every tourist visiting Amritsar from India and abroad. He also asked the foundation to entrust the civil works of the memorial to one of the country’s renowned construction companies so that this memorial could also be developed as an ‘architectural marvel’.
Besides, Badal also gave nod to the various proposals put forth by Dr Hamdard including the appointment of Price Waterhouse Coppers (PWC) as project consultant, which would help the Foundation in the selection of architect, modalities related to laser shows and other aspects related to the Jang-e-Azaadi memorial. He also gave a go-ahead to constitute a committee under chairmanship of Tourism and Cultural Affairs Minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur with Financial Commissioner Revenue, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Principal Secretary Cultural Affairs, Secretary Punjab Mandi Board and Deputy Commissioner for amicable resolution of issue related to 15 acres land of Punjab Mandi Board adjoining the memorial site.