Port Blair, Mar. 22: March 23 is observed as ‘Shaheed Diwas’ in India. The day commemorates the martyrdom of India’s three freedom fighters, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar and Shivaram Rajguru. They sacrificed their lives for the independence of India but their inspiring actions continued to stir the desire for freedom until it was achieved in 1947.

As a mark of respect to Martyrs’ for their supreme sacrifices, the Department of Art & Culture, A&N Administration will be observing ‘Shaheed Diwas’ as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ by organizing a function in the premises of the National Memorial Cellular Jail on March 23. A video featuring the speech of Hon’ble Lt Governor, A&N Islands, Admiral D K Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.) highlighting the contribution of freedom fighters in India’s freedom struggle will be broadcast on the occasion.

The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Jitendra Narain will be the chief guest on the occasion. The Chief Secretary will visit Veer Savarkar Cell and light the lamp in the corridor of Savarkar Cell at 10.30 am. This will be followed by lighting of 75 diyas by school students in the corridors of all the three blocks followed by one minute silence. The Chief Secretary will pay floral tributes to the portrait of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Veer Savarkar, Barindra Ghosh, Ullahskar Dutt and Sachindranath Sanyal on the occasion.

Cultural programmes will also be organized on the occasion.