Tuesday 8 April 2025
Stepping Back into India’s Fight for Freedom at Jang-E-Azadi Memorial
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My recent visit to the Jang-E-Azadi Memorial in Kartarpur, Jalandhar was an immersive experience to the history of Indias independence. The 25-arce memorial was inaugurated on October 19, 2014.
The memorial gives tributes to the sacrifices of the Punjabi community during the freedom struggle. Designed by famous architect Raj Rewal, the memorial offers a blend of rich historical narrative and amazing architecture.
As I approached the memorial, its impressive design caught my attention right away. Raj Rewals architecture is both modern and historical, reflecting the spirit of Indias fight for independence.
The memorial is organized around a circular enclosure, which is the central focal point of the memorial. One of the most notable highlights of this memorial was the 45-meter-high Shaheed-e-Minar, a massive dome of galleries that pays tribute to the martyrs of the independence movement.
The designers shaped the large domes of the galleries like lotus flowers, symbolizing the blossoming of freedom through sacrifice. The design of the memorial, with railings connecting the different sections and lush greenery surrounding the monument, adds to its peaceful vibe.
Inside the memorial, the well-designed galleries give a comprehensive overview of the freedom struggle. Each gallery focuses on a specific movement or part of the struggle, showcasing detailed models and historical facts that include:
Each gallery in the memorial tells a special part of Indias freedom history. The gallery dedicated to the Gadar Party, featuring life-sized models and a detailed timeline of their activities, impressed me. The display on the Quit India Movement was equally compelling, with multimedia presentations that vividly depicted the widespread civil disobedience.
The Shaheed-e-Minar is 45 meters tall, providing a panoramic view of the memorial area from its observation deck. The Minar features detailed designs and symbolic engravings that pay tribute to many martyrs. Its height and beauty remind us of the sacrifices made during the fight for independence.
The interactive exhibits were the best part of my visit. The visual screens let me explore different historical events more deeply with features like virtual re-enactments of important battles and detailed stories of freedom fighters.
The open-air theatre has a capacity of 100 seats. The theatre features cultural shows and historical reenactments, making the memorial experience more engaging. Next to it, the 150-seat movie hall screens documentaries and films related to the independent struggle.
The auditorium with 300 seats and the seminal halls is set up for lectures and educational programs. Additionally, we have ensured that all facilities are ready for use. During my visit, a seminar on the contribution of Punjabi soldiers in World War I was underway.
The library at the memorial is a great place for researchers and history enthusiasts. It has a large collection of books, documents and archives about the independent movement.
In the galleries, different models and displays depict historical events and people. One display had a detailed model of the Lahore Fort, while another highlighted the partition of India with a detailed map and personal stories from that challenging period.
The Jang-e-Azadi memorial is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM from Monday to Saturdays and 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays. The entry fees are INR 50 for adults and INR 30 for children, making it a budget-friendly spot for families and history enthusiasts.
The best time to visit the memorial is from June to September, when the weather is nice, and travel is favorable. The very hot weather from mid-May and mid-June makes it less comfortable to visit during that time.
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