Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the Martyrs' Memorial of the First War of Independence of 1857 in Ambala, Haryana on November 5, 2026. The memorial, built at a cost of ₹594 crore and spanning 22 acres, features 22 galleries that utilize modern technology including virtual reality, holography, and interactive projection to showcase historical documents and diverse art forms of Haryana. The complex includes Phulkari and Sarkanda craftsmanship, an open-air theatre seating 2,500 people, and a light-and-sound show designed to transport visitors back to 1857.
During the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini and Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal, Shah emphasized the historical significance of Ambala Cantonment as the location where revolutionary heroes sounded the bugle of armed revolution against British rule on May 10, 1857. He specifically mentioned warriors including Nana Saheb Peshwa, Rani Lakshmibai, Tatya Tope, and Begum Hazrat Mahal who displayed valour and made supreme sacrifices during the 90-year struggle from 1857 to 1947.
Shah also highlighted several developmental achievements in Haryana under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, noting that Haryana has become India's first smoke-free state through the delivery of gas cylinders to every household. The state procures 24 crops at MSP, implemented new criminal codes with a 40% increase in conviction rate, operates the country's first hydrogen train and elevated railway track, and established the largest Transgender Welfare Board. Additional initiatives include the Haryana Antyodaya Parivar Parivahan Yojana providing 1,000 kilometers of free travel to poor families, elimination of 'Lal Dora' in villages, becoming an anaemia-free state, establishing the country's first Ayush school, issuing 'Parivar Pehchan Patra', and implementing the Bhavantar scheme for horticultural crop farmers.
Concurrently, a National Highway built at a cost of ₹1,260 crore was inaugurated, which is expected to provide excellent connectivity throughout Haryana. The state also pays the highest wages under MGNREGA and has geared up for a drug-free initiative with priority from Prime Minister Modi.