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| Praja Parishad Martyrs Made ‘Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan’ a Reality” :Kavinder Gupta | | Homage paid at Jourian; unique memorial statue to be built using martyrs’ soil | 
Jourian,January 31 (Scoop News)-Glowing tributes were paid to the martyrs of the historic 1953 Praja Parishad agitation during a solemn commemorative programme organized by the Praja Parishad Memorial Trust under the leadership of its President, Shri Daljit Singh Chib, at Jourian. The programme was marked by deep patriotic fervour and historical reflection, with people from across social and political spectrums gathering to honour the supreme sacrifices that laid the foundation for constitutional equality and national integration in Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was graced by the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, as the Chief Guest. Prominent dignitaries present on the occasion included Shri Sunil Sharma (Leader of Opposition), Dr. Nirmal Singh (Former Deputy Chief Minister), Dr. Vikrant Sharma (Seh-Sanghchalak), MLA Shri Sham Lal Sharma, MLA Shri Mohan Lal Bhagat, Mahant Rameshwar Dass, Mahant Keshav Dass, along with representatives of various social organizations and eminent local citizens.
An exhibition depicting the Praja Parishad movement was organized, showcasing rare documents, photographs, and historical narratives highlighting the sacrifices made during the struggle for “Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan.” The programme also featured a Health Mela organized by Narayana Hospital and a Kisan Mela organized by the Agriculture Department, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to social welfare and public service.
During the programme, it was announced that a memorial statue of the Praja Parishad martyrs will be installed, uniquely crafted using sacred soil collected from the homes of the martyrs who laid down their lives during the agitation. The use of this soil will symbolize the eternal bond between the martyrs, their families, and the motherland, transforming remembrance into a living and enduring national tribute.
While paying floral tributes at the Shaheedi Sthal, Shri Kavinder Gupta said that “a nation which forgets its history and sacrifices loses its identity.” Emphasizing the importance of collective memory, he stated that India’s stature as Vishwa Guru was rooted in its values, culture, and civilizational strength, which suffered greatly during centuries of foreign invasions and subjugation.
Reflecting on post-Independence challenges, Shri Gupta spoke about political conspiracies and territorial losses in Jammu and Kashmir. He paid homage to Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee, who laid down his life in 1953 for national integration, and remembered the seven young patriots who attained martyrdom while attempting to hoist the national tricolour during the Praja Parishad movement. He said that discriminatory provisions under Articles 370 and 35A denied constitutional rights to women, OBCs, SCs, Paharis, and other marginalized sections for decades. The realization of “Ek Vidhan, Ek Nishan, Ek Pradhan,” he said, was made possible only due to continuous sacrifices by nationalist forces. He urged citizens to work collectively for national unity, reclaim illegally occupied PoJK, and pass on this legacy to future generations.
Addressing the gathering, Seh-Sanghchalak Dr. Vikrant Sharma said that for over seventy years, three generations had made sustained sacrifices for the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. He described the history of Jammu and Kashmir as one marked by struggle, renunciation, and martyrdom. Recalling the events of 31 January 1953, he said that thousands of farmers carrying the national tricolour gathered in protest, during which seven patriots laid down their lives in police firing. He called upon society to honour their sacrifices by preserving and propagating their ideals.
Hon’ble MLA and Leader of Opposition Shri Sunil Sharma, in his address, said that the supreme sacrifices of the Praja Parishad martyrs serve as an eternal source of inspiration for future generations. He stressed the responsibility of elders and institutions to motivate youth to study historic movements and inspiring narratives that instil patriotism, national pride, and a sense of duty towards the nation.
Addressing the programme, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh emphasized that the sacrifices of the Praja Parishad martyrs should serve as a guiding light for the younger generation. He said that true homage to the martyrs lies in strengthening national unity, respecting constitutional values, and contributing positively to society. He noted that the long struggle culminating in the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A reflected the perseverance of nationalist forces over decades.
Earlier, addressing the gathering, Shri Daljit Singh Chib, President of the Praja Parishad Memorial Trust, said that the Praja Parishad movement was not merely a political agitation but a historic mass movement rooted in the demand for equality, dignity, and full constitutional integration. He emphasized that the martyrs of 1953 sacrificed their lives so that future generations could live under one Constitution and one national identity. Remembering them, he said, is a moral responsibility of society, and the Trust remains committed to preserving and promoting their legacy through awareness, research, and memorial initiatives.
Prominent social leaders including Shri Kuldeep Sharma, Shri Ajay Singh, Shri Jugal Dogra, Shri Neeraj Shastri, representatives of Brahman Sabha, Rajput Sabha, Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Akhnoor, Kabir Sabha, and saints from various religious institutions also paid floral tributes at the Shaheedi Sthal.
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