Punjab Newsline,Chandigarh :
CM urges Centre to honour martyrs, strengthen international connectivity from Mohali Airport
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday strongly reiterated his demand that the Halwara International Airport in Ludhiana be named after legendary freedom fighter Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, describing it as a rightful tribute to one of India’s youngest and most inspiring martyrs. The appeal was made during the inauguration ceremony of the newly constructed terminal building at Halwara Airport.
Addressing the gathering in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu during the virtual inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, CM Mann said that Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha sacrificed his life for the nation at the tender age of 19. He emphasized that Sarabha’s revolutionary spirit deeply influenced India’s freedom struggle and even inspired Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, who regarded him as his role model.
The Chief Minister highlighted that naming the Halwara Airport after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha would be a fitting honour, especially as the martyr belonged to the region. He recalled that Sarabha had gone to Berkeley University to pursue studies in aviation but chose to abandon personal ambitions to dedicate himself fully to India’s freedom movement. “Punjab is the land of Gurus, saints, prophets and martyrs. Our soil is sanctified by their sacrifices,” CM Mann said.
CM Mann further shared his vision that all four airports in Punjab will soon be named after revered Gurus and martyrs, symbolically blending modern infrastructure with Punjab’s spiritual and revolutionary heritage. He explained that Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport in Amritsar and Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport in Adampur are named after Gurus, while Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport in Mohali and the proposed Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Airport in Halwara will honour martyrs.
Congratulating the people of Punjab on the parkash purab of Guru Ravidas, the Chief Minister said it was a moment of pride that Adampur Airport has been named after the great Bhakti movement saint. He added that the teachings of Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji, centered on equality and social justice, form a core pillar of his government’s commitment to public welfare.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Halwara Airport, CM Mann noted that it has played a crucial role in national security and has been used by the armed forces during key operations. He expressed gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces for their contribution to developing the terminal, which has now been dedicated to the public. The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to further enhance international connectivity from Mohali Airport to boost Punjab’s global links.
Recalling that the Punjab Vidhan Sabha had unanimously passed a resolution on March 22, 2023, seeking to name Halwara Airport after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, CM Mann said his government remains firmly committed to preserving Punjab’s spiritual and revolutionary legacy and inspiring future generations through such initiatives.