Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reiterated his demand to the Government of India to name the newly inaugurated terminal building at Halwara International Airport in Ludhiana after legendary freedom fighter Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, calling it a fitting tribute to one of the youngest and most inspirational martyrs of India’s freedom struggle.
Raising the issue in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu during the virtual inauguration of the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha had laid down his life for the nation at the age of just 19.
“Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha’s supreme sacrifice inspired millions to rise against British imperialism. Even Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh regarded him as his role model,” Mann said.
The Chief Minister said that naming Halwara Airport after Sarabha would honour a son of the soil who had gone to Berkeley University to pursue a career in aviation but chose instead to return to India and dedicate his life to the freedom movement. “Punjab is the land of great Gurus, saints, seers, and martyrs. Every inch of this sacred soil bears the imprint of their sacrifices,” he said.
Mann expressed confidence that Punjab is steadily moving towards a moment when all four of its airports will carry the names of revered Gurus and martyrs, symbolically linking modern infrastructure with the state’s spiritual and revolutionary legacy.
He noted that Sri Guru Ramdass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, and Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport, Adampur, are named after Gurus, while Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport, Mohali, and the proposed Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha Airport at Halwara would commemorate martyrs.
Congratulating the people on the parkash purab of Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji, the Chief Minister said it was a matter of pride that Adampur Airport has been named after the great proponent of the Bhakti movement.
“The path shown by Sri Guru Ravidas Maharaj Ji to create an egalitarian society is the core pillar of our government’s commitment to serve the masses,” he said, adding that it was a historic day for Punjab as the Prime Minister dedicated two airports to the people on this auspicious occasion.
Highlighting the strategic importance of Halwara Airport, Mann said the facility has played a vital role over the years and has been used by the armed forces during critical operations. He expressed gratitude to the Indian Armed Forces for their contribution in developing the terminal building, which has now been dedicated to the public.
The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to further strengthen international connectivity from Mohali Airport, stating that the state government would hold deliberations with the Government of India in the coming days to enhance air connectivity from Halwara as well.
Recalling an earlier initiative, Mann noted that on March 22, 2023, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha had unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to name the International Airport at the Indian Air Force Station, Halwara, as Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha International Airport.
“As a committed leader of the Ghadar Party, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha worked tirelessly for India’s freedom both abroad and within the country. Naming the airport after him would be a humble tribute to his unparalleled contribution,” he said.
He further pointed out that Mohali International Airport has already been named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh due to sustained efforts of the state government.
“Naming airports, universities, and institutions after our iconic martyrs is central to our vision of preserving their legacy and inspiring the youth towards selfless service of the nation,” Mann said.