SHIMLA, Aug 9: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister P.K.Dhumal stressed the need for maintaining hard-won freedom and strengthening the unity and integrity of the country.He said this while presiding over the state-level Kranti Divas function here today.The Chief Minister recalled sacrifices made by the martyrs and freedom fighters and said that the younger generation should take inspiration from their ideals.Dhumal said that the need of the hour was to make India free from fear, hunger and corruption, and said that efforts should be directed towards this end which would fructify the efforts of the freedom fighters.The Chief Minister honoured 27 freedom fighters on the occasion and wished for their long life to quide the destiny of the nation. He also paid glowing tributes to the martyrs.Renowned freedom fighters Sita Ram and Satya Dev Bushehri gave details of the stuggle they made for attainment of the freedom.Gian Chand Totu, Chaman Singh and other freedom fighters Narinder Bragta Minister of State for Horticulture, Chet Ram Negi, MLA, were also present on the occasion.Photo Exhibition: The Chief Minister also inaugurated a photo exhibition depicting several historical moments of freedom struggle.The exhibition has been organised by the state Public Relations Department in collaboration with Department of Language Art and Culture.Several rare pictures of freedom movements and the visits of national leaders like Mahatama Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and others to Shimla during the forties for crucial talks with the British Viceroys in the Viceregal Lodge have been displayed in the exhibition.One section of the exhibition has been devoted to Himachal.The pictures of several freedom fighters from Himachal are also on display.
