Family unhappy over Bhagat Singh statue in Parliament
Family members and admirers of the legendary Bhagat Singh have expressed unhappiness over the statue of the freedom fighter unveiled in Parliament recently, saying it is designed to look more like that of a regional leader.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: Family members and admirers of the legendary Bhagat Singh have expressed unhappiness over the statue of the freedom fighter unveiled in Parliament recently, saying it did not resemble his real personality and is designed to look more like that of a regional leader.
The family and admirers have taken exception to the depiction of Bhagat Singh in a 'Pagari', given that he was universally identified with a European hat on his head. Bhagat Singh's nephew Jagmohan Singh said that his uncle is universally known by his attire with European hat on his head, which he chose as a message when he went to the national assembly on April 8, 1929 to hurl bombs.
"Millions of Indians identify him with his hat, much like Mahatma Gandhi is identified with his glasses and stick," said Jagmohan, who has done extensive research on Bhagat Singh and heads the Shahid Bhagat Singh Research committee. He added that the stature of Bhagat Singh was of a national leader who symbolised the spirit of unified India.
"But the statue is made in a way to depict him more like a regional leader. By showing him in 'Pagari,' the present leaders are trying to classify him on regional and communal lines. It is just divisive politics," he said. The statue was unveiled on this Independence Day by President Pratibha Patil in Parliament.
Virendra Sindhu, daughter of Bhagat Singh's younger brother Kultar Singh, said that the statue does not give the real impression of the martyr, as it has been designed on the basis of a photo which was taken when Bhagat Singh was only 17 years old, studying in Lahore's National College.
The family and admirers have taken exception to the depiction of Bhagat Singh in a 'Pagari', given that he was universally identified with a European hat on his head. Bhagat Singh's nephew Jagmohan Singh said that his uncle is universally known by his attire with European hat on his head, which he chose as a message when he went to the national assembly on April 8, 1929 to hurl bombs.
"Millions of Indians identify him with his hat, much like Mahatma Gandhi is identified with his glasses and stick," said Jagmohan, who has done extensive research on Bhagat Singh and heads the Shahid Bhagat Singh Research committee. He added that the stature of Bhagat Singh was of a national leader who symbolised the spirit of unified India.
"But the statue is made in a way to depict him more like a regional leader. By showing him in 'Pagari,' the present leaders are trying to classify him on regional and communal lines. It is just divisive politics," he said. The statue was unveiled on this Independence Day by President Pratibha Patil in Parliament.
Virendra Sindhu, daughter of Bhagat Singh's younger brother Kultar Singh, said that the statue does not give the real impression of the martyr, as it has been designed on the basis of a photo which was taken when Bhagat Singh was only 17 years old, studying in Lahore's National College.
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