Chandigarh/Attari: The Punjab Government on Tuesday commemorated the 180th martyrdom anniversary of renowned Sikh General Sardar Sham Singh Attariwala with solemn state-level ceremonies held at India Gate and Attari Samadh, marked by devotion and reverence.
Punjab Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO attended the main state-level function as the chief guest, while Attari MLA Jaswinder Singh Ramdas and Amritsar West MLA Dr Jasbir Singh Sandhu were present as special guests.
At the memorial of General Sham Singh Attariwala at India Gate, Harbhajan Singh ETO, Dr Jasbir Singh Sandhu, Brigadier S.S. Jamwal (Commander, 54 Infantry Brigade), Colonel Sumit Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Dalwinderjit Singh, Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SDM Mankanwal Singh Chahal, Colonel Harinder Singh and Colonel Kuldeep Singh paid floral tributes to the statue of the martyr. Personnel of the Punjab Police also rendered a ceremonial salute by lowering their weapons in honour of the legendary general.
Following this, a religious diwan was organised at the Attari Samadh after the bhog of Sri Akhand Path Sahib. Hazuri Raagi of Sri Darbar Sahib, Bhai Gurjit Singh Banka, performed Gurbani kirtan, while the Dhadi Jatha led by Bhai Gurpreet Singh Bhangu recounted the life, bravery and martyrdom of General Sham Singh Attariwala. A large gathering of devotees and local residents paid floral tributes at the samadh.
ETO Recalls Bravery of General Sham Singh Attariwala at Religious Diwan
Harbhajan Singh ETO also visited the Sardar Sham Singh Attariwala Museum and paid homage to the martyr. Addressing the congregation during the religious diwan, the minister described Sardar Sham Singh Attariwala as one of the greatest generals of the Sikh community, remembered for fighting valiantly till his last breath in the Battle of Sabhraon during the Anglo-Sikh War. He noted that even British historians had acknowledged the general’s courage and sacrifice.
Also read : Jasvir Singh Garhi Says SC Commission Notice to Bajwa Was Not Accepted
Stating that martyrs are the true heroes of the nation, the minister said it is the collective moral responsibility of society to remember and honour their sacrifices. He announced that Attari village would be developed further so that visitors to the Wagah-Attari retreat could also visit the samadh and learn about the martyr’s legacy. He urged people to participate in such commemorative events in large numbers and to educate younger generations about the state’s rich history.
On the occasion, family members of Sardar Sham Singh Attariwala and office bearers of the trust, including Colonel Harinder Singh Attari, Malwinder Attari, Bir Inder Singh, General Secretary Harpreet Singh Sidhu, Amiteshwar Kaur, Jaspreet Kaur, Sandeep Kaur, Dinesh Singh Sidhu, Inder Jasbir Singh Sandhu Lopoke, Anantbir Singh, Charanjit Singh, Ramandeep Kaur, Ravi Inder Singh, Colonel Gurbant Singh, Harman Singh, Jaskiran Kaur, Ramandeep Kaur and Attari Sarpanch Harpreet Singh, were honoured.
The Cabinet Minister also released a book titled “The Last Pillar of the Sikh Raj – Sardar Sham Singh Attariwala”, authored by noted writer Dr Kulwinder Kaur Minhas.