Jammu: The National Secular Forum (NSF) on Monday observed the 97th death anniversary of freedom fighter Lala Lajpat Rai at the University of Jammu, recalling his role in India’s struggle against colonial rule. Forum members raised patriotic slogans as portraits of the veteran nationalist were garlanded during a brief commemorative ceremony on campus.
Ankush Abrol, Provincial Joint Secretary of the JKNC and former BCCI member, attended as chief guest, while JKNC Secretary and Central Zone Coordinator Dr. Vikas Sharma presided over the event. NSF State President Dr. Sukhdev Singh was the guest of honour and State Secretary Vikshay Vashist joined as special guest.
Addressing the gathering, Abrol lauded the NSF for organising the tribute and reminded participants of Lala Lajpat Rai’s frontline role against British repression. Known widely as “Punjab Kesari”, Rai led nationwide protests against the Simon Commission in 1928 and died from injuries sustained during a lathi-charge, a moment that fuelled further resistance across the country.
Dr. Vikas Sharma, in his remarks, highlighted Rai’s life, writings and political legacy. He urged the youth to honour the memory of martyrs by confronting social ills such as drug abuse and asserted that upholding democratic rights—including the demand for restoration of the full statehood of Jammu and Kashmir—would reflect a genuine homage to the freedom fighter.
Dr. Sukhdev Singh traced Rai’s journey from his birth in 1865 in Dhudike village of present-day Moga district to his years at Government College Lahore, where he associated with future nationalists Lala Hans Raj and Pandit Guru Dutt. Singh recalled Rai’s years abroad, his founding of the Indian Home League Society of America and his book Young India, which was banned by the British even before publication.
State Secretary Vikshay Vashist also addressed the programme, reiterating NSF’s commitment to engaging youth in civic and national causes.
Earlier, University Unit Chairman Irfan Ahmed delivered the welcome address, while Unit President Gorav Partap extended the vote of thanks. Office-bearers and student representatives including Abhishek Uppal, Zeeshan Ali Rather, Pankaj Sharma, Mohd Umar, Prince, Muneeb-ul-Islam and Mohd Arbaz were among those present.
