Extension lecture organised in memory of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre martyrs

On the eve of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the Department of History and the Gandhi Study Centre of Gandhi Memorial National College, Ambala Cantonment, organised an extension lecture to honour the martyrs of the tragic incident.

Centred on the Jallianwala Bagh massacre—an event that marked a turning point in India’s freedom struggle—the lecture aimed to raise awareness among students about the sacrifices made during the Indian National Movement.

Dr Dharamveer Saini, Head of the Department of History and in-charge of the Gandhi Study Centre and Museum, stated that the primary objective of organising this lecture was to pay tribute to the martyrs and ensure that the youth remain informed about the historical realities of colonial atrocities. He stressed the importance of educating students about the brutal repression carried out by the British Empire during India’s fight for independence.

“Through such lectures, students and the youth, who form the backbone of a progressive nation, can draw inspiration from the Indian National Movement and contribute meaningfully to societal and national development,” he said.

Dr Krishna Kumar Punia, who delivered the keynote address, spoke at length about how the massacre acted as a catalyst for unity among Indians and galvanised the freedom movement under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.

He described the massacre as a deliberate and brutal act of British oppression, recounting the chilling details of General Dyer’s orders to fire on the unarmed crowd until ammunition was exhausted.

Dr Punia also highlighted the role of freedom fighter Sardar Udham Singh, who avenged the massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer in London.

He reminded the audience that Sardar Udham Singh had been a witness to the tragic events at Jallianwala Bagh and that his courageous act remains etched in the annals of Indian history.

College Principal Dr Rohit Dutt remarked that such events not only instil historical awareness but also encourage students to learn from the past. He urged students to take inspiration from historical struggles and play an active role in nation-building.