Ensure observance of Martyr's Day with due solemnity: MHA advises states, UTs

In a letter sent to them it is stated that on Jan 30 every year, two minutes’ silence is observed at 11.00 AM, throughout the country, in the memory of those who gave their lives in the struggle for India’s freedom.

However, in the past, it has been observed that while two minutes’ silence is observed in some offices, the general public goes about its occupation in the ordinary course, unmindful of the solemnity of the occasion.

The State Governments/Union Territories are, therefore requested to take necessary steps to ensure that the Martyrs’ Day is observed with due solemnity and with better public participation by taking the following steps:-

(i)                 Instructions may be issued to all educational institutions in the State/Union Territory and Public Sector Enterprises under them for observance of the Martyrs’ Day with full solemnity and in a befitting manner. Speeches and talks connected with the significance of the day, particularly mentioning the role of freedom fighters in the freedom of India may be made. The theme of talks and speeches could also deal with the duty and the moral obligation of every citizen to preserve, protect and enrich the hard-earned freedom and to promote a sense of national integration and commitment to common goals and ideals.

(ii)               Field publicity units of the State / Union Territories may hold cultural programmes and /or films/documentaries with the basic themes of Indian Freedom Movement, the role of the martyrs in the Freedom Struggle and national integration.

(iii)             Various Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the States/Union Territories may also be requested to ensure proper observance of the Martyrs’ Day by their members and affiliated associations and organizations.