Ludhiana, Feb 1: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann requested the Union Government on Sunday to name the newly inaugurated terminal building at Halwara International Airport after the legendary martyr Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha.
Speaking during the virtual inauguration of the facility by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister described the move as a necessary gesture to honor one of India’s most influential young revolutionaries.
The Chief Minister noted that the martyr’s roots in the region and his personal history with aviation make the naming particularly appropriate. He mentioned that the state government is committed to ensuring that Punjab’s infrastructure reflects its deep spiritual and revolutionary heritage.
“Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha laid down his life for the motherland when he was just 19 years old,” the Chief Minister said. “His supreme sacrifice inspired millions to rise against British imperialism, and even Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh regarded him as his role model.”
Reflecting on the historical significance of the site, Mann shared that the martyr had originally traveled to Berkeley University to study aviation before returning home to join the freedom struggle. He also noted that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha had previously passed a unanimous resolution in 2023 to secure this naming.
“Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport, Amritsar and Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur, are named after Gurus, while Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport, Mohali and Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Airport, Halwara, will commemorate our martyrs,” the Chief Minister said.
He further suggested that the central government should focus on expanding international flight options from the Mohali airport to better serve the Punjabi diaspora.
