Haryana stood in solemn silence today to pay homage to its sons of the soil who laid down their lives for the nation’s integrity. The day, chosen to coincide with the martyrdom of Rao Tula Ram, the king of Rewari and a hero of the 1857 Revolt, serves as a powerful reminder of the state’s unparalleled martial legacy.
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Governor’s Tribute: At a solemn wreath-laying ceremony, Governor Bandaru Dattatreya honored the martyrs. “Haryana is the land of the brave. From Rao Tula Ram to the heroes of Kargil and recent Galwan clashes, our soldiers have always been the first line of defense for India,” the Governor stated. He emphasized that every 10th soldier in the Indian Armed Forces hails from Haryana.
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Legacy of Rao Tula Ram: Born in Rewari, Rao Tula Ram was instrumental in driving the British out of Southwest Haryana during the First War of Independence. He later traveled as far as Afghanistan and Russia to seek international support for India’s freedom before passing away in Kabul on September 23, 1863.
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Statewide Commemoration: * Rewari: A massive “Shaheedi Mela” was organized at the Rao Tula Ram Memorial Park, attended by descendants and thousands of locals.
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Police Honors: In various district headquarters, police personnel observed a two-minute silence and performed a “Reverse Arms” (Shok Shastra) drill as a mark of respect.
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Educational Programs: Schools and colleges held essay competitions and patriotic plays to educate the youth about the contribution of Haryana’s 80 martyrs in the Kargil War—the highest from any single state.
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Political Presence: Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh and other state leaders paid floral tributes at the Rao Tula Ram Chowk, reiterating the demand for a dedicated “Ahir Regiment” in the Indian Army, a sentiment deeply tied to the region’s martial history.
