Martyrs are our legends, Lt Ahluwalia’s memory will serve as a guiding light for Youth; MLA Kohli dedicates memorial to citizens
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ February 27,2025
Patiala MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli today unveiled the bust and Shaheed Monument of Army Martyr Lt Kuldip Singh Ahluwalia (Sena Medal) (June 26, 1942 – September 18, 1965) of 7th Punjab Regiment (now 8 Mech.), a hero of the 1965 Indo-Pak War, at NIS Chowk, Patiala.
Dedicating the memorial to the citizens of Patiala, MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli paid rich tributes to Lt Ahluwalia, who sacrificed his life, at the young age of 23, while defending the nation at the Ichogil Canal, Lahore Sector on September 18, 1965. He emphasized that martyrs are the true legends of the nation, and establishing this memorial at a prominent location will serve as an inspiration for generations to come.
“The Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to honoring the sacrifices of our brave soldiers and supporting their families. It is unfortunate that past governments did not recognize the contributions of war heroes like Lt Ahluwalia. However, the present government has taken this step to give due respect to our valiant soldiers and their families,” Kohli stated.
MLA Kohli further said that this memorial stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Lt Kuldip Singh Ahluwalia, ensuring that his sacrifice remains etched in the collective memory of Patiala and continues to motivate the youth of Punjab.
Family members of Lt Kuldip Singh Ahluwalia, including Jaswant Singh Ahluwalia, Gurmeet Singh Ahluwalia, Paramjit Singh Ahluwalia, Anmoljit Singh D.A., and R.S. Sidhu, expressed their gratitude for this long-overdue recognition. They described it as a proud moment for their family to see their beloved’s memory honored in Patiala, nearly six decades after his supreme sacrifice. They also commended the Punjab Government and the Municipal Corporation for taking this significant initiative.
The event witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Senior Deputy Mayor Harinder Kohli, Deputy Mayor Jagdeep Singh Jagga, Chairman Market Committee Ghanour Jarnail Mannu, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajat Oberoi, several Councillors, including Ravinder Pal Ricky, Vinod singla, Sagar Dhaliwal, Jasbir Singh Gandhi, Harpal singh Bittu, Jasbir Singh Bittu, Jagtar jaggi, Army Colonel Vinod Singh Rawat, Army veterans, including Lt Gen N.P.S. Hira, Maj Gen A.D.S. Grewal, Maj Gen Rajesh Bawa, Col Gurbaksh Singh, Col Inder Singh, Col Harcharan Singh, Col N.S. Sidhu, Major H.S. Sidhu, Capt Amarjit Singh Jeji, Commander B.S. Virk from the Zila Sainik Board, who gathered to pay their respects.
