Veer Diwas Observed at Basa Wazira on 177th Death Anniversary of the Great Freedom Fighter
Sudhanshu Sharma
Nurpur
The 177th death anniversary of legendary freedom fighter Wazir Ram Singh Pathania was commemorated with the observance of Veer Diwas at his birthplace, Basa Wazira, on Wednesday. The event was attended by Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania as the chief guest. Member of Parliament Rajeev Bhardwaj, Nurpur MLA Ranveer Singh Nikka, former MP Kripal Parmar, and former MLA Ajay Mahajan were also present.
Paying floral tributes and offering respects before the ceremonial shield of the freedom fighter, Kewal Singh Pathania said that Wazir Ram Singh Pathania is not merely a symbol of a particular family or region but a priceless national heritage. He noted that in 1848, nearly a decade before the First War of Independence in 1857, Pathania had raised the banner of resistance against British rule and awakened the spirit of freedom among Indians.
He highlighted that the young warrior sacrificed his life for the motherland, displaying extraordinary courage and patriotism. To ensure that his legacy receives national recognition and reaches future generations, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution declaring him the first freedom fighter and forwarded it to the Central Government for consideration. Pathania expressed hope that MP Rajeev Bhardwaj would actively pursue the matter in Parliament.
Call for a Grand Memorial in Nurpur
Kewal Singh Pathania emphasized that a fitting tribute to Wazir Ram Singh Pathania would be the construction of a grand memorial in Nurpur. He said he would discuss the matter with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and work towards realizing the project. According to him, the sacrifice of the freedom fighter would continue to inspire generations, serving as an enduring example of courage, leadership, and dedication to the nation.
MP Rajeev Bhardwaj described Wazir Ram Singh Pathania’s struggle as a movement linked to India’s broader fight for freedom rather than a cause confined to a region or state. He said challenging British rule at such a young age reflected Pathania’s extraordinary bravery and patriotism. Bhardwaj assured that the resolution passed by the state assembly would also be raised in Parliament to secure national recognition for the hero.
Nurpur MLA Ranveer Singh Nikka stated that Wazir Ram Singh Pathania’s life symbolizes sacrifice, courage, and devotion to the motherland. He urged young people to draw inspiration from the freedom fighter’s legacy and contribute towards nation-building.
Among those present on the occasion were SP Ilma Afroz, SDM Arun Sharma, DFO Sandeep Kohli, descendants of Wazir Ram Singh Pathania including Rajeshwar Singh, Uday Pathania, and Adhiraj Pathania, INTACH State Convener Malvika Pathania, Youth Congress General Secretary Amit Pathania, former Kangra Central Cooperative Bank Chairman Karnail Singh Rana, and several other distinguished guests
