Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh’s sacrifice is a symbol of self-pride, struggle, and dignity, Vishnu Deo Sai
Team News Riveting
Raipur, December 10
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the memorial programme held in Sonakhan on December 10 to honour the state’s first martyr, Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh.
He stated that the sacrifice of Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh stands as an “eternal symbol of Chhattisgarh’s pride, struggle, and self-respect”. He also felicitated the descendants of the freedom fighter and announced several key development initiatives for the region. The Chief Minister announced the launch of bus services under the Mukhyamantri Gramin Bus Sewa Yojana in Sonakhan, as well as the allocation of Rs. 75 lakh for the construction of a new Primary Health Centre building, and Rs 50 lakh for Siyan Sadan, and Rs 20 lakh for building toilets at the Madai Mela site. He added that provisions for eco-tourism development and road connectivity in Sonakhan will be included in the upcoming budget to give this historic site a “new identity” while enhancing local employment and amenities.
Sai stated that Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh stood firmly against the atrocities of the British and fought to defend the rights of the poor, farmers, and the marginalised. During the devastating famine, he distributed grain to people in need, creating a “historic example of humanity”. Though the British executed him on December 10, 1857, his martyrdom continues to inspire generations with the ideals of “resistance against injustice and the courage of self-respect”. He added that the state government, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Guarantee, has fulfilled most commitments and is consistently expanding basic facilities in tribal-dominated regions.
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Tribal Development Ramvichar Netam recalled that Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh was hanged by the British on this day at Raipur’s Jaystambh Chowk. He said the martyr laid down his life fighting injustice, and his sacrifice will continue to guide future generations. He also highlighted the government’s welfare-oriented schemes and assured that development efforts remain continuous.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated and performed bhoomipujan for 119 development works worth Rs. 101.44 crore. He handed over house keys to 10 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and issued appointment letters to 37 youths under the “Hum Honge Kamyab” programme. Five talented students from the tribal community were also felicitated.
Among the works inaugurated by the Chief Minister were the retrofitting of tap-water supply schemes worth Rs. 9.88 crore in the villages of Odan, Khartora, Sakri (S), and Datan (Kh), as well as a single-village water supply project in Gordha. Works for which bhoomipujan was performed included the restoration and embankment construction of Jonk Tila in Arjuni at a cost of Rs. 5.84 crore; restoration and reconstruction of Lavan branch canal, including Tilda, Karda Lata and Siriadih minor—costing Rs. 3.63 crore; construction of a stop-dam on Matia Nala costing Rs. 3.36 crore; a stop-dam on Khorsin Nala in Parsadih costing Rs. 2.99 crore; and construction of an inspection cottage and residential building in Lahod costing Rs. 2.60 crore.
Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap, Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma, former Assembly Speaker Gaurishankar Agrawal, former MLA Dr Sanam Jangde and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh’s descendant Rajendra Diwan, along with a large number of public representatives and local residents, were present.
