PUNE: Over 500 people from various walks of life paid tributes to freedom fighter and revolutionary Shivram Hari Rajguru on the occasion of Martyr’s Day at his birthplace in Rajgurunagar, about 45 km from Pune, on Saturday.
The country observes Martyr’s Day or Shaheed Diwas on March 23 every year in remembrance of three brave freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar, who were hanged to death by the British on the same day in 1931.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid respects through a video message on his official X handle. He said, Today the nation is remembering with reverence the martyrdom of Veer Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, the true sons of Mother India. On Martyr’s Day, salute and respect to him from his family members across the country. Jai Hind!
Rajguru was an Indian revolutionary known for his involvement in the assassination of British police officer John Saunders.
Kishor Raskar, a resident of Rajgurunagar, said, It is a big day for us as we remember and pay tribute to the unparalleled contributions of three martyrs. Their supreme sacrifice is a source of inspiration for generations.
Visitors marched from the Rajguru Wada to the statute at the ST stand in the town.
Vishwanath Bhambure, another resident of Rajgurunagar, said, I have been observing the Martyr’s Day since my school days. They taught us real nationalism. I visited the birthplace and paid tributes to them.
This day serves as an inspiration for patriotism and motivates us to contribute to the nation, said a visitor.
A section of the visitors urged the authorities to complete the redevelopment work of the Rajguru’s Wada.
The national memorial at the Wada will certainly motivate people to join the Indian Armed Forces and develop a sense of patriotism. The pending work of redevelopment of Rajguru’s Wada should be completed at the earliest, said Vivek Bhadale, a visitor.
