Shaurya Smarak, A Temple of Bravery: Chouhan
Bhopal — Describing the proposed ‘Shaurya Smarak’ (Bravery Memorial) to be built in Bhopal as the temple of bravery, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Tuesday said the spirit of gallantry traditional to Madhya Pradesh would not be allowed to die down.
Speaking at the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony of the memorial at the Chinar Park in the Arera colony area of the state capital, Chouhan underlined the role of the ‘Smarak’ as a source of inspiration for citizens and lamented that the society was not doing enough to commemorate the supreme sacrifice made by the martyrs.
He said that the construction of the memorial was a matter of privilege for the state government, which would spare no costs for the ‘Smarak’ and added that arrangements would be made to hold sound and light programmes, focusing the saga of martyrs, at the venue.
He further announced that the state government would soon set up a special cell to address the grievances of soldiers and their families and added that the government was considering possibilities enabling it to benefit from the experience and knowledge of the ex-servicemen, on matters pertaining to security.
The Chief Minister announced that a monthly life-long honourarium would be provided to soldiers belonging to Madhya Pradesh, who received gallantry and other service medals at various levels.
He said the state government has earmarked a plot of land measuring 40 acres for a residential colony for soldiers.
Speaking on the occasion, Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, the guest of honour, termed the memorial as a true homage to the martyrs and added that it would serve as a source of inspiration for the present and future generations displaying the value of freedom and maintaining it.
He expressed gratitude towards the state government and the Chief Minister and said he was privileged to be a witness to the ceremony.
President of the Madhya Pradesh Foundation and Additional Solicitor General of India, Vivek Tankha, also expressed his views on the occasion.
Housing and Environment Minister Jayant Malaiya informed that the memorial would entail a cost of Rs. 16 crore and be completed in around a year-and-a-half.
Earlier, the Chief Minister and General Deepak Kapoor performed the Bhoomi Poojan.
Urban Administration Minister Babulal Gaur, MLA Jitendra Daga , Bhopal Mayor Krishna Gaur, General Officer Commanding of Bhopal-based Sudarshan Chakra Corps Lieutenant General Rajendra Singh, Chief Secretary Avani Vaish, Director General of Police SK Raut were also present on the occasion.
