Uttarakhand Governor Dr KK Paul said that the struggle and sacrifice of the heroes of the freedom movement will always be an inspiration for our youth. The spirit of patriotism shown by these heroes was unique and it is due to that spirit that we are living as citizens of a free India gloriously.
He expressed these views while speaking at a programme organised at the Uttarakhand Technical University (UTU) in Dehradun to felicitate the freedom fighters. The programme was organised jointly by Bharat Maa Shaheed Samman Trust and Amar Ujala.
Dr Paul said that it was apt that such a programme was being held on the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap who is a symbol of patriotism, courage and glory. The youth is the future of our country and they have to build the nation while being inspired by heroes like Maharana Pratap and the freedom fighters. The youth must think creatively and take the nation forward.
He spoke about the prosperous India of four hundred years ago when it had 28 per cent GDP and 40 percent of the world’s trade was centered in India.
The Governor honoured freedom fighters Paripoornanand Painully, Sachidanand Painully, Rl Awasthi (Azad Hind Fauj), Uday Singh Panwar, Major Mudeshwar Singh, Milkhi Ram Aggarwal, Ram Pratap Bahuguna, Bhimsain Bhatia , and family members of freedom fighters (Smt Kailash Rani, Kalawati Shahi), mother of Gajendra Singh who was killed in a terrorist attack, Smt Bira Devi, wife of Bharat Singh Bisht who was martyred in Kargil and Shakuntla Devi, wife of Kargil martyr Gyan Singh, they were presented with a shawl, a mememto and a cash amount.
Other dignitaries including MP Tarun Vijay, Sanjay Dalmia,UTU’s VC Prof PK Garg, Jai Madaan of Bharat Maa Shaheed samman trust and several other were present there.