Premium
This is an archive article published on November 29, 2011

State govt woos ex-servicemen

Months ahead of the Assembly elections in Punjab,the ruling SAD-BJP government in state is going all out to woo ex-servicemen.

Months ahead of the Assembly elections in Punjab,the ruling SAD-BJP government in state is going all out to woo ex-servicemen.

The government has have invited more than 20,000 decorated ex-servicemen,300 retired armymen,and all the gallantry award winners from Punjab,to attend the inauguration function of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Memorial here. The invited ex-servicemen include Arunachal Pradesh Governor and former army chief Gen JJ Singh.

The heritage memorial would commemorate the victory of Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his soldiers over the Mughal king Sirhind Wazir Khan in Chhapar Chiri village near Mohali,establishing the first Sikh Raj in India in 1711.

Story continues below this ad

The 328-ft victory tower,the main attraction of this memorial,is the tallest religious tower in the country and has three decks at the height of 20.4 mtr,35 mtr and 66 mtr. On the top of the tower,there is a dome having the spire of Khanda in stainless steel.

Also known as Fateh Burj,the octagonal tower,has side RCC walls having arches going in curvilinear fashion supported on steel columns and can resist winds upto 170 km per hour. Two high-speed elevators and a staircase,which will take the public to three levels of victory 77, (victory of Samaana),127 (victory of Sadhora) and 230 (victory of Chappar Chiri) have also been planned.

People can do three skywalks and get the panoramic view of the complex and Mohali through triangular windows. The tower is lit in two parts. The Khanda and dome is lit by high intensity flood lights,while the rest of tower is lit in three stages with colour changing lights.

Besides the tower,six shell structures,which have been built in record time of 11 months at a cost of Rs 35 crore in 20 acres area bought for another Rs 35 crore,and where the actual battle was fought,will be inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on November 30 (Wednesday).

Story continues below this ad

Former BJP national president Rajnath Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Maj Gen (Retd) Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri,are also expected to attend the ceremony. Some 500 nighas led by Budha Dal chief Balbir Singh,and martial arts teams from Kerala,Manipur,Gujarat and Rajasthan will perform at the ceremony. Nearly 1,500 Punjab Police personnel would be deployed at the venue. The state government has paid Rs 15 lakh to North Zone Cultural Centre,which is handling the opening ceremony.

KJS Cheema,Special Principal Secretary to CM said that in this structure,a special EPDM membrane has been used,which has already been used in many landmark buildings and canals.

He added that six shell structures along the water body and towards south east side of land have been constructed and have statues of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and his five generals namely Fateh Singh,Aali Singh,Mali Singh,Baj Singh and Ram Singh.

Cheema said that there is open air theatre in the complex with a seating capacity of 1,200. On weekends,light and sound shows highlighting the life and achievements of Banda Bahadur would be organised.

Story continues below this ad

Tarlochan Singh,former MP,said that Banda Bahadur was the second warrior after Shiva Ji,who was able to defeat Mughals on Indian soil. He said that country has not been able to recognize his valour and sacrifice. Now centre should give him recognition in the history books.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Loading Taboola...
Advertisement