Ex-Servicemen and Residents Demand Restoration of Martyr's Name on Punjab School
The removal of martyr Lieutenant Manprit Singh Goldi's name from the official title of a government school in Jagraon, Ludhiana district, has ignited significant resentment and outrage among Ex-Servicemen and local residents. This controversial development came to light after the martyr's parents formally wrote to the Chief Minister and other authorities, urgently requesting the restoration of their son's name, which had previously been associated with the educational institution.
Strong Condemnation from Retired Defense Personnel
The decision has deeply upset former defense personnel, who argue that erasing a martyr's name from an educational institution sends a profoundly wrong message and undermines the immense sacrifices made by soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation. They have collectively demanded that the government immediately rectify what they describe as a serious mistake and restore the school's original official name without delay.
Brigadier Surinder Singh Gill (retired), a prominent member of the Indian Ex-Services League, expressed his dismay, stating it was unfortunate and unacceptable that the name of a martyr had been removed from the school. He emphasized that the nation must never forget soldiers who sacrificed their lives while serving the country. Brigadier Gill added that associating institutions with martyrs helps preserve their enduring legacy and instills core values of patriotism and sacrifice among future generations. He noted that the move had deeply pained Ex-Servicemen and members of the martyr's family, and he demanded immediate restoration of Lt Manprit Singh Goldi's name in the educational institution.
Brigadier Inder Mohan Singh (retired), president of the Indian Ex-Services League and a resident of Ludhiana, also voiced serious concern over the matter. He confirmed that the organization would write to the Chief Minister to highlight the issue and seek direct intervention for restoring the martyr's name to the school, ensuring that such oversights do not recur.
Local Anger and Political Response
Anger over the removal of the martyr's name was also vividly evident among residents of Jagraon. Many locals asserted that the decision had hurt public sentiment in the town to which Lt Manprit Singh Goldi belonged, as he is remembered as a local hero.
Kanwaljit Khanna, general secretary of Inqualabi Kendra Punjab, described Shaheed Lt Manprit Singh Goldi as a "son of the soil" whose sacrifice continues to be remembered with immense pride by the people of Jagraon. Khanna pointed out that while the words "School of Eminence" may be displayed at the school gate, the institution's identity remains incomplete and hollow without the name of the martyr, which symbolizes valor and national service.
In a positive development, Jagraon MLA Sarvjit Kaur Manuke confirmed that she had taken up the matter with the Education Minister. She assured that the martyr's name would be added back to the name of the school. A meeting is scheduled to address the issue comprehensively, and the school principal has been transferred, with a new principal yet to join, indicating administrative actions are underway.
Broader Implications and Calls for Action
Colonel Gurjinder Singh Sidhu (retired), a resident of Khanna, expressed that it was painful for Ex-Servicemen to learn that the school, which had been named after the martyr following his ultimate sacrifice, no longer officially bore his name. He emphasized that adding the names of martyrs to institutions gives them a unique and honorable identity, helping to keep alive the memory of their supreme sacrifice for generations.
Colonel Sidhu added that such names act as a powerful source of motivation for students, encouraging young people to consider joining the armed forces and serving the nation. He also stated that associating an institution with a martyr's name effectively immortalizes the soldier's legacy, ensuring their story is not forgotten. The retired officer asserted that he would take up the matter at the appropriate levels to ensure that the school's official name is restored promptly, reflecting the community's respect for its heroes.
The collective outcry underscores a broader sentiment that honoring martyrs through public institutions is crucial for national pride and historical memory, with stakeholders urging swift corrective measures to uphold the dignity of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
