MARTYRS’ DAY

"When you go home

Tell them of us and say

For your tomorrow

We gave our Today"

(Written on the gate of Kohima War Cemetery)

What meaningful words. Yes, that's right. They gave their today for our tomorrow. What do we offer instead?

Martyrs' Day 2022: Every year March 23 is observed as Martyrs' Day when Indians commemorate the sacrifices given by freedom fighters and other people to gain independence from British rule.

Martyrs Day is also observed on January 30, the day when the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in 1947 by Nathuram Godse.

How we can commemorate Martyrs’ Day without remembering the incident when the three young men - Bhagat Singh , Sukhdev Thapar and Shivram Rajguru - were sentenced to death.Their sacrifice had inspired many other young people to come forward and fight for their motherland. They continue to inspire many young Indians today to serve their motherland in the best possible way.

It was the bravery of these three people that they sacrificed their lives for the country to reclaim independence and that is why we honour their sacrifice, the country observes Martyrs Day on March 23 every year.

Sadly, our patriotism has shrunk to days that can only be counted on the fingers of one hand. Or patriotism is limited to hoisting the flag and wearing the badge on the chest on Independence Day and Republic Days. How many soldiers do we remember who sacrificed their lives for our country and are ready to sacrifice? No one. Our celebration in the name of patriotism and our Memorial Days become just nonrealistic. What is patriotism? Are we conscious? Patriotism is not only about loving our country but also about not hating other countries. We must raise our growing children in this mindset. Only then we can have a war-free, peaceful future. Only then will parents be able to save their children, wives their husbands, brothers their siblings, and children their parents. Or many more lives will have to be sacrificed for the country.

"If defeated and killed on the field of battle,

we shall surely earn eternal glory and salvation."

- Rani of Jhansi

We must have remembered these unspoken words of every one who gave their precious life for their soil and people.. May our prayers be with them forever.