Amit Shah to inaugurate 1857 martyrs' memorial in Ambala on November 5
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Ambala, Oct 28 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the 'Azadi Ki Pehli Ladai Ka Shaheed Smarak', a memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the First War of Independence of 1857, at Ambala Cantonment on November 5.
Built at an estimated cost of Rs 800 crore across 22 acres, the memorial is being described as Asia's largest tribute to the heroes of the 1857 uprising. The project, initially conceived in 2010 during the tenure of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, gained momentum after the BJP came to power in the state in 2014, with Energy Minister Anil Vij playing a key role in its development.
The sprawling complex features 23 modern galleries showcasing the history of the 1857 revolt across Ambala, Haryana, Meerut, Delhi, Punjab, Gujarat and Jhansi. It uses advanced technologies, including 360-degree projections, sound and laser shows, to recreate important events of the freedom struggle.
The memorial also honours more than 700 identified freedom fighters from across the country, with their names, fathers' names and villages inscribed in gold. A team of five historians led the research, drawing information from archaeological institutions, libraries in London and Lahore, and historical records.
Vij said the uprising in Ambala began nearly nine hours before the revolt in Meerut on May 10, 1857, highlighting the city's significant but often overlooked contribution to the freedom movement.
The complex includes a 2,500-seat open-air theatre, a 300-seat auditorium and a 63-metre-high lotus-shaped structure featuring a sky café. It also has visitor facilities, souvenir shops, a helipad and arrangements for online ticket booking through a dedicated website and mobile application.
Visitors may require up to six hours to explore the entire memorial. The facility will also host celebrations of state foundation days, with all states invited to participate.
Describing the project as a national monument, Vij said the memorial would honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and preserve the history of the 1857 uprising for future generations.
