*Martyrs of 1857 to be honored; inauguration of Ambala’s Azadi ki Pehli Ladai ka Shahid Smarak expected soon: Energy Minister Anil Vij*
*Ambala’s Shaheed Memorial to narrate stories of unsung heroes; hope for early inauguration by PM: Anil Vij*
*₹700 crore Shaheed Memorial to become a living symbol of the 1857 revolution: Vij*
*Mention of 1857 in ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to give new recognition to history linked with Ambala memorial: Vij*
*From bamboo industry to Shaheed Memorial—Anil Vij speaks on ‘Mann Ki Baat’, urges public to listen to the program*
Chandigarh, April 26 - Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij expressed hope that the grand Shaheed Memorial being constructed in Ambala Cantonment in memory of the First War of Independence of 1857 will soon be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that once opened, people from across the country will be able to visit the memorial, learn about the stories of unsung heroes, and pay their tributes.
Sh.Vij was speaking to the media person after listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at a gathering held at the residence of Shalinder Khanna (Shaili) at 105, Mall Road, Ambala Cantonment.
He said that the Prime Minister’s mention of the 1857 uprising in today’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ was highly significant. To commemorate this historic movement, a grand memorial is being constructed in Ambala Cantonment at a cost of around ₹700 crore. The memorial vividly depicts the First War of Independence that began on May 10, 1857, along with the struggles and sacrifices made across the country. It showcases key locations such as Ambala, Meerut, Jhansi, and Kashmiri Gate, as well as the contributions of great warriors like Rani Lakshmibai and Tatya Tope.
He further said that many heroes of 1857 did not receive due recognition and tribute in history. Keeping this in mind, a special ‘tribute zone’ has been created within the memorial, where visitors will be able to pay homage to those martyrs who were long overlooked.
Sh.Vij said that during ‘Mann Ki Baat’, the Prime Minister noted that the month of May reminds the nation of the First War of Independence of 1857. He paid tribute to the brave sons and daughters of Mother India and urged the youth, especially school children, to make productive use of their vacations and strive to learn something new.
He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with citizens every month through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, sharing inspiring thoughts on various topics. In this episode, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of nuclear and wind energy and also encouraged the promotion of the bamboo industry. He noted that the government has removed bamboo from the category of trees, which has helped boost innovation and industrial growth in the sector. The Prime Minister also appealed to people to support bamboo products to strengthen the industry, particularly in the North-East. Sh.Vij also urged citizens to purchase bamboo products to support the region’s development.
Additionally, the Prime Minister mentioned the achievements of Indian students in the Mathematics Olympiad and shared the teachings of Gautama Buddha. Sh. Vij emphasized that Buddha’s message is rooted in self-discipline—“first govern yourself, then guide others”—a principle that remains highly relevant even today.
On this occasion, Sh. Vij appealed to the citizens to regularly listen to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ and dedicate some time from their lives to gain inspiration from it, as the program serves as a powerful medium to connect people with the country’s achievements, innovations, and positive developments.
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*Anil Vij launches sharp attack on Mamata Banerjee, says Bengal’s political scenario will change after May 4*
*Vij links heavy voting in Bengal to ‘Modi wave’, targets Mamata Banerjee*
*Anil Vij takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi, highlights differences over religion, culture, and nationalism*
Chandigarh, April 26 - Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Anil Vij, today took a swipe at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stating that she has already left two election rallies midway and that after the results on May 4, she may have to leave West Bengal altogether.
Sh. Vij was speaking to the media persons after listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular program ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at a gathering held at the residence of Shalinder Khanna (Shaili) at 105, Mall Road, Ambala Cantonment.
He said that the first phase of elections in West Bengal witnessed a very high voter turnout, which, according to him, reflects the impact of the “Modi wave.” He claimed that the voting percentage reaching around 92–93 percent is significant and indicative of strong public participation. Targeting Mamata Banerjee, he reiterated that not only has she left election rallies midway, but the results on May 4 will further change the political situation in the state.
Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi, Sh.Vij said that there is a significant difference between Rahul Gandhi’s understanding of religion and culture and that of his party. He stated that the Bharatiya Janata Party follows the ideology of cultural nationalism rooted in Indian traditions, which, he claimed, often causes discomfort to the opposition. He also alleged that the opposition tends to view India’s issues from an external perspective and does not adequately recognize the valor of the country’s heroes, highlighting what he described as a stark difference between Rahul Gandhi and the RSS.
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*Anil Vij flags off Sangat Seva Van, serves people through free Langar Seva Van*
*Facilities like sheds, water coolers and other amenities will be provided for passengers of Sangat Seva Van: Anil Vij*
*“Service is the best cleanser: a path to purify the soul and repay life’s debts”: Anil Vij*
*BJP youth members seek blessings from Anil Vij amid drum beats*
Chandigarh, April 26 - Haryana’s Energy, Transport and Labour Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that he felt immense pride as the Seva Simran Society, Gurudwara Regiment Bazaar, Ambala Cantonment, has launched a free Sangat Seva Van service from Capital Chowk to Gurudwara Shri Panjokhra Sahib, along with Shri Guru Nanak’s Rasoi free Langar Seva Van.
Sh. Vij said this while addressing devotees at Capital Chowk, Ambala Cantonment, on the occasion of the inauguration of both free service vans. He flagged off the vans and personally served langar to people through the free langar service van.
He informed that through the langar van, free meals will be provided to the needy at locations such as Capital Chowk, Civil Hospital Ambala Cantonment, Ambala Cantonment Railway Station, Bus Stand, and other areas. The Sangat Seva Van will facilitate transportation of devotees from Capital Chowk to Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib and back. The minister also announced that arrangements such as sheds, benches, fans and drinking water coolers will be installed near Capital Chowk so that people do not have to stand in the sun while waiting for the van.
In his address, Sh. Vij said that this noble initiative by Seva Simran Society has filled him with pride. It will provide free food to the needy through langar service and also offer free transportation to devotees visiting gurudwaras and temples. He noted that many devotees travel on foot or by personal means to Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib, and this facility will make their journey easier by providing free transport services to religious places across the district.
On this occasion, Seva Simran Society President Sardar Brahmjeet Singh Khalsa, Secretary Bhupinder Singh and other office bearers welcomed and felicitated the chief guest.
*“Service is the best cleanser: a path to purify the soul and repay life’s debts”*
Sh.Vij said that a person does not need soap or water to cleanse the body and mind; service itself is the best means of purification. Service purifies the soul, instills good values, and helps erase the negative deeds of past lives. He said service is also a way to repay the debts one owes in life. Every individual carries certain debts towards society, nature, and others, and service is the path shown by the Almighty to repay them. He explained that while people are often ready to receive help, they hesitate to extend help to others, which leads to bitterness in life. By engaging in service and helping others, one can bring sweetness and meaning into life. Those who serve develop purity in speech, strength in character, and a more fulfilling life. Sh. Vij expressed happiness that Seva Simran Society continues to carry out welfare activities for the benefit of people.
Earlier, Seva Simran Society President Sardar Brahmjeet Singh Khalsa, while welcoming the chief guest, said that Cabinet Minister Anil Vij has undertaken several commendable works for the development of Ambala Cantonment. He informed that the Sangat Seva Van will run every Sunday from Capital Chowk to Gurudwara Panjokhra Sahib and on other days will operate for devotees visiting various temples and gurudwaras. On this occasion, several dignitaries including Bhupinder Singh, Municipal Council Chairperson Swarn Kaur, KV Singh Bobby, Raja, Mandal President Harsh Bindra, Sanjeev Soni, Jasbir Singh Jassi, BS Bindra, Councillor Nidhi Garg, AV Singh, Sudarshan Singh Sehgal, Jasmeet Singh, Bhupendra Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Satbir Singh, Mahendra Pal Singh Raina, Divyansh Walia and many others were present.
*Vij calls upon youth to actively participate in party activities*
Anil Vij also addressed hundreds of youth workers while congratulating newly appointed BJP Sadar Mandal Youth President Anuj Yadav and the newly formed youth executive. He said that youth workers are the backbone of the party and should actively contribute to strengthening the organization by following party policies. He urged youth to participate more actively in party activities. Earlier, youth workers arrived at his residence raising slogans of “Anil Vij Zindabad” to the beats of drums. Sh.Vij felicitated the newly appointed office bearers with garlands and extended his best wishes. Several BJP leaders and a large number of youth workers were present on the occasion.