AAP Ministers Pay Homage to Freedom Fighter Sewa Singh Thikriwal
Political leaders gathered in Thiriwala village on Monday to honor freedom fighter Sewa Singh Thikriwal. They marked his 91st martyrdom day with solemn tributes. Aam Aadmi Party Punjab president Aman Arora led the delegation. Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer joined him. Mehal Kalan MLA Kulwant Singh Pandori also attended the ceremony.
Government Representatives Highlight Achievements
The AAP ministers spoke about their government's work over the past four years. They emphasized development projects completed in the region. Cheema, Arora, and Hayer detailed specific promises they fulfilled. These included initiating construction of a memorial at Thikriwal's ancestral house site.
They also made new commitments to the villagers. The leaders assured the community about building a college in Thiriwala. This promise remains pending from earlier announcements.
Remembering Sewa Singh Thikriwal's Legacy
Sewa Singh Thikriwal played a crucial role in Punjab's freedom movement. He co-founded the Riyasti Praja Mandal organization in 1928. This group advocated for civil liberties and political rights under British rule.
Thikriwal spent considerable time in prison for his activism. He ultimately sacrificed his life in Patiala jail on January 19, 1935. The freedom fighter chose a fast unto death rather than submit to imperial authorities.
His martyrdom is commemorated annually over three days in his native village. The observance runs from January 18 to 20 each year. Different activities mark each day of remembrance.
- January 18: Nagar kirtan processions honor Thikriwal's memory
- January 19: The ruling party leads tribute ceremonies
- January 20: Various political parties present their viewpoints
Political Significance of the Martyrdom Day
The event serves as an important platform for political expression in Punjab. Almost the same villagers attend each year to hear different perspectives. Sometimes political criticism overshadows the tribute aspect of the gathering.
Previous governments also participated in these commemorations. Former chief minister Parkash Singh Badal visited Thikriwal multiple times during Akali Dal-BJP administrations.
A notable incident occurred in 2006 when Captain Amarinder Singh attended. Akali leader Jarnail Singh Bhotna protested against the Patiala royalty during that event. Police removed him from the gathering promptly.
Thikriwal's Enduring Impact on Punjab
Sewa Singh Thikriwal organized many freedom fighters through Riyasti Praja Mandal. He became known as the torchbearer of the freedom movement in Malwa region. His sacrifice continues to inspire political discourse decades later.
Interestingly, authorities once labeled Thikriwal as "Garbi chor" or utensil thief before his martyrdom. This nickname reflected the colonial perspective on his activism.
The annual commemoration keeps his legacy alive in contemporary Punjab politics. It connects historical struggle with modern governance discussions.
