Sangam city pays befitting tributes to its heroes
ALLAHABAD: At a time when Independence Day is being seen as a holiday by most, the city of Allahabad is doing its best to pay homage to freedom fighters and keep their proud legacy alive.
Encroachments were removed by the district administration from near the historic neem tree in Chowk to make way for people to pay tributes to several freedom fighters who were hanged there by the British. Provisions were also made to light candles near the iconic wall at Municipal Market, where slogans asking to vote for former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri are still etched firmly.
While most people plan picnics and family outings on Independence Day and Republic Day, people of the city are recognising the contribution of heroes by visiting and organsing events at places like Swaraj Bhawan, Chandra Shekhar Azad park and Allahabad Museum—all associated with the freedom struggle.
On Saturday, the Air Force Band gave a live performance ‘Touch the Sky with Glory’ at Company Garden in memory of Chandra Shekhar Azad.
Ganga Shukla, daughter of freedom fighter Satya Prakash Shukla ‘Guddu Bhaiya, says that she makes sure that all the children in her house and locality take part in the flag hoisting ceremony on their terrace.
“Being the daughter of a freedom fighter I understand the struggle and sacrifices made to free the country,” she added.
Aarti Gupta, a housewife residing in Chowk, says that she makes it a point to attend such events with her children so that they become aware of contribution of heroes like Chandrashekhar Azad.
“Living in Chowk makes it easier for us to attend these events. Besides being the birth place of Madan Mohan Malaviya, it also has the historic neem tree. The children always visit the spot to pay tributes,” she adds.