Pakistan is going to honour Maharaja Ranjit Singh on his 180th death-anniversary by installing his life-size bronze statue near his samadhi at Lahore, also to promote religious tourism for Sikh devotees. Earlier Pakistan government started exhibiting historic documents, books and news-clippings relating to great Indian martyr Bhagatsingh from 26.03.2018 including court-order and black warrant relating to his hanging on 23.03.1931 at Shadman Chowk (Lahore), recognising him as a common hero of India and Pakistan. Earlier Pakistani authorities had even named Shadman Chowk after Bhagatsingh after persistent demand of civil-society there, though the decision was later put on hold because of some fundamentalist elements there. However celebrations are held at Shadman Chowk even presently on every 23rd March.
Indian politicians who celebrate birth and death anniversaries of their political mentors and family members should take lesson from Pakistan. It is indeed sad that Indian politicians worship such personalities who deliberately chose not to stop hanging of martyr-trio of freedom struggle of India, and misused veto-power as king-maker by crowing such a person as first Prime Minister of India whose policies and acts created much problems including of Kashmir.
Currency-notes and coins in India should figure rather heroes of Indian freedom struggle rather than only of a politically worshipped person. An attractive stature of trio Bhagatsingh, Rajguru and Sukhdev should be installed at empty canopy of famous India Gate (New Delhi).
SUBHASH CHANDRA AGRAWAL