Stories of freedom struggle to reach every block of Haryana:CM

Stories of freedom struggle which originated from Haryana will be taken to every block of Haryana in a bid to inspire youths of the state, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said today.
"We are in the process of bringing the stories of freedom struggle which originated from the soil of Haryana to be showcased in every block of the state," he said while inaugurating a play "1857 Ki Kahani Harayana Ki Zubani" here.
The cultural affairs department of Haryana is working on bringing together theatre groups to showcase plays on freedom struggle, he said.
"The stories related to freedom struggle should be presented before the youth to inspire them so that they can find an aim in life and tread on a good path. Haryana government will support these types of programs and encourage the cultural affairs department to do such programs at various cultural centres. And we have developed such a strategy to showcase these programs in block cultural centres also," he said.

Revisiting the freedom struggle movement in the state, he said though the first shot of mutiny was fired by Mangal Pande in Meerut in the afternoon of May 10, 1857, soldiers of Ambala had already revolted against the British nine hours prior to that.
"The actual uprising of Indian soldiers at Ambala and Meerut on the same day confirms the fact that the revolt had been meticulously planned by the leaders in advance and was kept a closely guarded secret.

"The first clarion call to fight the colonial rule was from Ambala before Mangal Pandey from Meerut started the sepoy mutiny," he claimed.

The role of the people of Haryana and the uprising by the sepoys who were posted in Ambala regiment form the crux of the play. 'Swang', the popular folk theatre of Haryana integrating with the contemporary theatre techniques, brought about a different aura to the story of the first uprising in the country.
The play is directed by G S Chani and written by P Chandershekhar.
"Each and every individual of Haryana from kids to fakirs and from women to the old fought for their right to freedom and survival," said Vijai Vardhan, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Cultural Affairs of Haryana.