Ludhiana, Feb 1: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday called for the Halwara International Airport in Ludhiana to be named after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha to preserve the legacy of the Ghadar Party leader. The request was made in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu during a ceremony marking the opening of the airport’s terminal building.
The Chief Minister said that the state is nearing a milestone where all four of its major airports will be dedicated to the memory of revered Gurus and national heroes. He expressed his desire to see modern connectivity paired with the state’s historical identity.
“Punjab is the land of great Gurus, prophets, saints, seers and martyrs,” the Chief Minister said. “Every inch of this sacred soil carries the imprint of their sacrifices.”
The Chief Minister noted the strategic value of the Halwara site, which has historically served the armed forces during national emergencies. He thanked the Indian Armed Forces for their role in the development of the new terminal and stated that the state would continue to work with the Centre to increase flight frequencies.
“Naming airports, universities and other institutions after our iconic martyrs is an integral part of our government’s vision to preserve their legacy and inspire the youth to dedicate themselves to selfless service of the nation,” the Chief Minister said.
On the occasion of Guru Ravidas’s birth anniversary, Mann also expressed satisfaction that the Adampur airport now bears the name of the spiritual leader. He noted that the path of equality shown by the Guru remains a guiding principle for the current administration’s public service efforts.
