Pauri Garhwal, Oct 26 (NationPress) A 'Shaheed Smaran Samaroh' took place in the serene hills of Uttarakhand on Sunday, commemorating the extraordinary sacrifices made during India's freedom movement.

This poignant event was filled with profound respect and emotion as Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honored the martyrs, freedom fighters, and Gaurav Sainanis (military veterans) by unveiling a memorial stone in the Rikhikhal block of Pauri Garhwal.

The surroundings were alive with the moving melodies of the Garhwal Rifles infantry regiment band, a distinguished unit with roots tracing back to 1887 when it was formed as the 39th Regiment of the Bengal Army.

Families of freedom fighters from the Himalayan villages of Pauri filled the venue, their eyes glistening with pride and remembrance as they bowed in gratitude to their homeland and the sacrifices made by their ancestors.

During the struggle for independence, many from Uttarakhand left their homes and loved ones, courageously taking up arms against the British Raj.

Numerous individuals never returned; some came back in coffins, while others faded into obscurity. Many soldiers who fought valiantly for India’s freedom were captured and imprisoned by British forces in what is now Pakistan, enduring years of torment and separation.

One such hero was Vishan Dutt Devrani, hailing from Baman Gaon in Rikhnikhal. Born into a landlord's family, he renounced comfort and privilege to join the Azad Hind Fauj, serving in the Army Medical Corps as a Nursing Havildar from June 1931 until July 1946.

When the British forces issued a 'shoot-at-sight' order against the Azad Hind Fauj, Vishan Dutt and his comrades were captured and imprisoned in Myanmar.

From February 1942 until September 1945, he endured severe suffering behind bars.

Upon his release in 1946, Vishan Dutt returned home, forever marked by his ordeal. The trauma of those dark years haunted him until his passing shortly after his return, leaving behind two young sons.

Nevertheless, his spirit of patriotism continued to thrive—his family’s legacy carried on, with his grandson bravely serving in the Indian Army until last year.

Rikhnikhal has given birth to several such heroes. Kaliram Devraniof Baman Gaon served in the 8 Guerrilla Regiment, while Lila Nand from Kalgaad and Gunanand from Rikhnikhal also made significant contributions to the freedom movement.

Though their bravery often remains uncelebrated, their contributions are indelibly inscribed in the annals of India’s struggle for Independence.

In honoring these heroes, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated, “I salute all the brave martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation, and I also pay tribute to the families of these soldiers and the descendants of the freedom fighters. Devbhoomi Uttarakhand is known as the land of heroes. The brave soldiers of Uttarakhand have made unique contributions in all wars.”

Reflecting on his connection to military families, CM Dhami shared, “I have seen the difficulties faced by military families firsthand. I deeply empathize with these brave soldiers. It is my aim to ensure that this sentiment is mirrored in our policies and governmental actions.”

During the ceremony, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for development projects totaling over ₹46 crore and inaugurated projects exceeding ₹56 crore, emphasizing that these initiatives would mark significant milestones in the development of Rikhnikhal and surrounding areas.

“Our government will spare no effort in safeguarding the interests of serving soldiers, veterans, and the families of martyrs,” CM Dhami assured.

The event concluded with a collective sense of pride and gratitude—paying tribute not only to the martyrs of yesteryears but also to the enduring spirit of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand.