Chandigarh, January 15
Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today announced the establishment of a Research Chair in the name of the great freedom fighter and member of Constituent Assembly Pandit Shriram Sharma at Maharishi Dayanand University, Rohtak. In addition, the Chief Minister said that a University/Institution would be named after Pandit Shriram Sharma to honor his immense contribution to the nation.
He announced that the state government will also observe his birth anniversary, on October 1 every year. On this occasion, essay, poem writing, and speech competitions will be held in schools and colleges across the state, encouraging students to learn about and reflect on his life and legacy.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister announced the installation of a 30-feet tall national flag at the site of Pandit Shriram Sharma’s statue, along with a beautification project for the location. Regarding the two other demands made by the Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch—writing his saga of valor at the Pandit Shriram Sharma Metro Station in Bahadurgarh and including his biography in the school curriculum—the Chief Minister said that these requests would be forwarded to the relevant departments for fulfillment. He also announced a discretionary grant of Rs 21 lakh for the Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch Samiti, further supporting the continued promotion of his ideals and values.
The Chief Minister made these announcements while unveiling the statue of Pandit Shriram Sharma at a function organized at Pandit Shriram Sharma Park site in Rohtak today. He paid rich tributes to the great freedom fighter, highlighting his significant role in India’s freedom struggle, making of constitution and his contributions to nation-building post-independence.
Describing Pandit Shriram Sharma as a true patriot, respected politician, social reformer and Gandhian, the Chief Minister said that as a Member of the Constituent Assembly, he played an important part in strengthening the democratic framework of the country.
The Chief Minister said that on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, the Prime Minister has called for remembering and honouring the great personalities who played pivotal roles in its creation. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar gave the Constitution to the country and Pandit Shriram Sharma also made a notable contribution to this monumental work. Deeply influenced by the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, Pandit Shriram Sharma participated in all five Satyagraha movements during India’s struggle for independence and was imprisoned multiple times for his efforts, he added.
In January 1922, during the Non-Cooperation Movement, Pandit Shriram Sharma boldly uprooted the British flag in Jhajjar and hoisted the tricolor, leading to his arrest and brutal torture by the British police. Undeterred by the mistreatment, he remained resolute in his cause. In 1923, he also launched a weekly Urdu newspaper, Haryana Tilak, to inspire and ignite the spirit of the freedom struggle among the people.
The Chief Minister said that Pandit Shriram Sharma served on many prestigious positions in Joint Punjab as well as in Haryana after 1966. In 1965, Pandit Sharma was appointed Chairman of the Haryana Development Committee by the joint Punjab Government. During his tenure, the committee produced a report in 1966, which highlighted the significant discrimination Haryana faced not only in terms of development but also in political participation and employment opportunities. This report played a crucial role in strengthening the demand for the creation of a separate Haryana state.
*Bahadurgarh Metro Station named after Pandit Shriram Sharma*
The government has honoured Pandit Shriram Sharma by naming the Bahadurgarh Metro Station after him. In addition, monthly Samman Pension provided to freedom fighters and their dependents has been increased from Rs 25,000 to Rs 40,000. This pension is currently being given to 289 beneficiaries across the state, he added.
The Chief Minister also urged the youth to work towards preserving the dignity of culture and fostering the unity and integrity of the nation, following the path laid out by Pandit Shriram Sharma.
*Under Prime Minister’s leadership, BJP will again form the government in 2029*
He expressed gratitude to the people for electing the government for a third consecutive term in the state. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi, he said that the BJP would again form the government in 2029. He also said that the state’s ‘non-stop’ development would continue without discrimination. He reassured the people that they need not worry under the present government, highlighting that 25,000 jobs have been provided to the youth purely on a merit basis, without any favoritism or corruption. The Chief Minister further stated that Haryana would reach new heights in terms of development and play a crucial role in realizing Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
*Pandit Shriram Sharma dedicated his efforts to the service of the entire nation – Dr. Arvind Sharma*
Speaking on this occasion, Haryana Cooperation and Tourism Minister, Dr. Arvind Sharma, paid tributes to the great freedom fighter Pandit Shriram Sharma, acknowledging his tireless work for the nation. He fought for the country’s independence along with Mahatma Gandhi and Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Dr. Arvind Sharma also said that the old Rohtak district has produced many hardworking leaders and the freedom fighters. This region, he emphasized, is a land of martyrs, heroes, freedom fighters and brave souls who made significant contributions to the country’s freedom struggle. Even after independence, this area has continued to uphold the values of independence. He said that just as Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi is working for the development of the nation, in the same way Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini is also engaged in the all-round development of the state.
Expressing his gratitude to the people, Dr. Sharma said that the public had endorsed the schemes of both the central and state governments, and with their support, the BJP government was elected for the third consecutive term in Haryana. On this occasion, the Minister also announced a discretionary grant of Rs 11 lakh to the Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch Samiti.
Former Minister Sh Manish Grover, MLA Sh Om Parkash Yadav, President of Pandit Shriram Sharma Vichar Manch Dr Ashok Dixit, family members of the Pandit Shriram Sharma and other dignitaries were also present on this occasion.
