Chandigarh, Nov 16: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday paid tribute to Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha on his martyrdom anniversary and unveiled a ₹45.84-crore development plan for the freedom fighter’s native village. Speaking at the state-level commemoration, Mann said the projects aim to transform Sarabha into a “model village” with improved infrastructure and public amenities.
The CM outlined a comprehensive programme focused on upgrading basic facilities, providing clean drinking water, creating sports infrastructure, introducing defence and security training, and modernising public spaces. “Sarabha’s sacrifice must inspire tangible progress in his village,” Mann said, recalling the revolutionary’s active role in the Ghadar Party and his relentless struggle for India’s freedom both at home and abroad.
Mann also paid homage to Sarabha’s companions — Vishnu Ganesh Pingle, Bakhshish Singh, Jagat Singh, Surein Singh (Senior), Shaheed Harnam Singh Sialkoti, and Surein Singh (Junior) — who were executed on the same day.
He encouraged Punjabis to participate in the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Teg Bahadur, scheduled in Anandpur Sahib from November 23 to 25, noting that the state government will host light-and-sound shows, nagar kirtans, drone displays, kirtan darbars, and other programmes to share the Guru’s life and teachings.
Among the key initiatives in Sarabha village, ₹40 crore will be invested in widening the existing two-lane road connecting Lalto Kalan, Sarabha, Raikot and Halwara into a four-lane highway, providing direct access to Halwara Airport. A surface water supply scheme has been allocated ₹2.82 crore, while a 10-metre indoor shooting range will cost ₹2 crore.
Additional allocations include ₹10 lakh for the basketball court renovation, ₹3 lakh for constructing a volleyball court and benches, and ₹89 lakh for modernising the forest nursery. Mann also announced a training academy for security and police personnel, which will feature a decommissioned MiG-21 aircraft from the Air Force Academy for pilot orientation and drone-training exercises.
“The new facilities and infrastructure will not only honour Shaheed Sarabha’s memory but also empower the local community,” Mann said, adding that the projects reflect the government’s commitment to blending heritage with modern development.
