PM calls for preserving history at inauguration of renovated Jallianwala Bagh

New Delhi/Amritsar:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stressed on remembering lessons from history and said it is the responsibility of every country to preserve its history as he inaugurated the renovated Jallianwala Bagh complex.

He also talked about the evacuation operations being carried out from Afghanistan, which also includes several Afghan Sikhs and copies of holy Guru Granth Sahib that were brought to India.

"It is responsibility of every country to preserve its history. History teaches us lessons and shows the path to future. We have seen horrors like Jallianwala Bagh also during partition," the Prime Minister said at inauguration of the renovated Jallianwala Bagh Smarak.

"The hardworking and lively people of Punjab are amongst those who suffered the most due to partition. Whatever happened during partition, we can still feel the pain. For any country, ignoring such horrors of the past is not right so we have decided to observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14 every year," he said.

He added that like Jallianwala Bagh, renovation work of other memorials related to our freedom struggle are also being renovated, citing the example of an interactive gallery dedicated to Chandra Shekhar Azad in Allahabad.

Talking about Afghanistan, he mentioned the evacuation efforts.

“India has saved several lives under Operation Devi Shakti. Under this operation, a lot of people are being evacuated from Afghanistan. We have brought the Guru Granth Sahibs to India as well with its due respect,” he said.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated museum galleries developed at the Smarak. Four Museum galleries have been created through adaptive reuse of redundant and underutilised buildings. The galleries showcase the historical value of events that unfolded in Punjab during that period, with the fusion of audio-visual technology, including projection mapping and 3D representation, as well as art and sculptural installations.

A Sound and Light show has been set up to display the events that happened on 13th April, 1919.

Multiple development initiatives have been undertaken at the complex, including elaborate heritage restoration works have been carried out in sync with the local architectural style of Punjab.

The Shaheedi well has been repaired and restored with a redefined super structure. The heart of the Bagh, the flame monument, has been repaired and restored, the water body rejuvenated as a lily pond, and the pathways made broader for better navigability.

Several new and modern amenities have been added, including redefined paths of movement with appropriate signages; illumination of strategic spots; landscaping and hardscaping with native plantation; and installation of audio nodes throughout the garden. Also, newer areas have been developed for housing the Salvation Ground, Amar Jyot and Flag Mast.(UNI)