JAMMU, Aug 9: District Congress Committee Jammu Urban today organised a solemn programme at Rajeev Bhawan, Shaheedi Chowk, Jammu, to pay heartfelt tributes to the freedom fighters who led and participated in the historic Quit India Movement on Quit India Movement Day, one of the most significant chapters in India’s struggle for independence. The programme was held under the leadership of DCC Jammu Urban President and former Minister, J&K, Yogesh Sawhney, and was attended by Working President JKPCC Raman Bhalla, senior Congress leader Kanta Bhan, PCC Office Incharge Ved Mahajan, Thakur Manmohan Singh and other senior leaders, office bearers and party workers. The participants recalled the courage, sacrifice and determination of the countless freedom fighters who stood against colonial rule and made immense sacrifices for India’s freedom. Paying homage to the martyrs and national heroes, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the democratic, secular and constitutional values for which generations of Indians fought and sacrificed their lives. The programme also served as an occasion to remember the historic call of the Quit India Movement and to underline the responsibility of the present generation to safeguard the ideals of freedom, justice, equality, democracy and national unity.
Among those present were: Working President PCC Raman Bhalla, Former Minister J&K and President DCC Jammu Urban Yogesh Sawhney, Thakur Manmohan Singh, Ved Mahajan, Kanta Bhan, Amrit Bali, Satish Sharma, Sanjeev Panda, Kewal Krishan Jogi, Micheal Wazir, Parveen Akhter, Asha Chandan, Anuradha Sharma, Aamna Kalyan, Pawan Bhagat, Sandeep Dogra, Virender Manhas, Rajesh Sharma, Sohit Sharma, Vijay Kumar, Prem Sharma, Rakesh Sharma, Pawan Sharma, Janak Mehra, Ram Magotra, Yash Pal Sangral, Vijay Malhotra, Parshotam Sharma, Munish Sharma Dimpa, Ajay Lagota, Surinder Kumar, Satish, Sameer, Sanjay Kumar, Rishi Kumar, Rajesh Kumar, Jagdish Kumar, Suresh Gupta, Sonu Baba, Raj Kumar Mohra, Ashok Sharma, Virender Kumar, Suresh Bangotra, Sofia, Sapna, Sneha, Neeta, Manju Mattoo, Davinder, Pawan Kapoor Lal, Ashok Kumar, Sumit Gandhi, Amit Gupta, Sahil Dogra and others.
Speaking on the issue, Working President PCC Raman Bhalla said that the Quit India Movement remains a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage, unity and sacrifice displayed by India’s freedom fighters, who came together with an unwavering determination to end colonial rule and secure India’s independence. He said that the movement was not merely a political call but a people’s movement that brought together men and women from every section of society in the common cause of freedom. Bhalla paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, the leaders of the freedom struggle and the countless known and unknown freedom fighters who endured imprisonment, repression and immense hardships for the nation. He said that their sacrifices laid the foundation for an India based on democracy, civil liberties, equality and justice. He stressed that remembering the freedom struggle carries a responsibility to protect the democratic and constitutional institutions of the country and urged the younger generation to draw inspiration from the patriotism, courage and spirit of selfless service of the freedom fighters.
Also addressing the gathering, Former Minister J&K and DCC President Jammu Urban Yogesh Sawhney said that the observance of Quit India Movement Day is an important occasion to remember the extraordinary sacrifices made by India’s freedom fighters and to reflect upon the values that guided the country’s struggle for independence. He said that countless men and women stood fearlessly against colonial oppression, often at great personal cost, because they believed in the vision of a free, equal and democratic India. Paying homage to all those who participated in the movement, he said their courage and determination continue to inspire generations and remind citizens of the responsibility they carry towards the nation. He stressed that freedom must always be accompanied by justice, equality, dignity and respect for democratic rights, and said that protecting these values is the collective responsibility of every citizen. Sawhney called upon Congress workers to remain committed to the ideals of the freedom struggle and work towards strengthening democracy, social harmony, national unity and the constitutional values for which the nation’s freedom fighters made the ultimate sacrifices.
Sr. Congress leader Thakur Manmohan Singh said that the Quit India Movement occupies a place of immense importance in India’s freedom struggle and stands as a testament to the determination of the Indian people to live in a free and democratic nation. He said that the historic movement reflected the collective strength of ordinary citizens who refused to accept colonial domination and made tremendous sacrifices for the country’s freedom. Paying homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters, he said their legacy must be preserved by ensuring that the values of liberty, equality, secularism and social justice remain at the heart of public life. He said that every generation must understand the hardships faced by those who fought for independence and recognise that the freedoms enjoyed today were secured through decades of struggle and sacrifice. He called upon Congress workers and citizens to remain committed to national unity and democratic values and to work towards strengthening the principles that formed the foundation of the freedom movement.
Senior leader Ved Mahajan said that the Quit India Movement will always remain a symbol of India’s collective resolve and the courage of its people in their fight against colonial rule. He said that the movement brought the aspirations of millions of Indians to the forefront and demonstrated that no force could suppress the people’s determination to achieve freedom. Paying tribute to the freedom fighters, Mahajan said that their sacrifices and commitment continue to inspire the nation even today. He emphasised that the best way to honour their memory is to safeguard democracy, uphold the Constitution and ensure that every citizen is treated with dignity, equality and justice. He said that Congress has historically stood at the forefront of India’s freedom struggle and continues to uphold the ideals of democratic governance, secularism and social justice. He urged party workers, particularly the youth, to learn from the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and carry forward their legacy through dedicated service to the nation and society.