DW BUREAU / Chandigarh Haryana Home and Health Minister, Sh. Anil Vij stated that Ambala is a holy land and the torch of revolt was first ignited from the same place in order to liberate the nation from britishers. Sh. Vij was addressing the people present after the staging of "Dastan-e-Ambala" at the Open-Air Theatre of Ambala Cantonment Subhash Park last evening. He applauded the actors who gave the stellar performance showcasing how the flame of revolution broke out from the Ambala Cantonment in 1857. He urged that the play should be performed all over Haryana so that people could know how the 1857 revolution started from Ambala. Home Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that the staging of the play "Dastan-e-Ambala" will continue till December 8. The play also has history related to Ambala military area, so on the last day the play will be staged only for military officers, jawans and their families on Thursday. Addressing the people, the Home Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that the play of Ambala Ki Dastan has been staged here today, in which it has been shown that the first freedom struggle movement was started from Ambala Cantt. While congratulating the artists who have showcased their talent in the play, he said that every artist has performed well. The artists have precisely described the contribution of Ambala people during the first war of independence started from Ambala Cantt. Home Minister, Sh. Anil Vij said that dedicated to the first war of independence, Shaheed Smarak GT Road is being built at a cost of Rs. 400 crores. Shaheed Smarak being built at Ambala Cantt highlighting the supreme sacrifices and valour of those who participated in the first war of Independence will be a unique amalgamation of technology and history that will inspire the future generations. Home Minister Anil Vij said that a committee of 6 prominent historians of India has been constituted including 2 historians from Ambala namely Prof. U. V Singh and Sh. Tejinder Singh Walia. They will precisely display each fact in Shaheed Smarak. A 70 feet high lotus flower will be displayed on the Smarak as lotus was considered symbolic during the revolution of 1857. 85 percent construction work has been completed while tenders for art work will be floated soon. We hope that the companies making famous museums of India will extend their dedication in the work. Sh. Anil Vij said that he has been continuously raising the way pending demand of constructing Shaheed Smarak during the past Vidhan Sabha sessions which has now been approved by the Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal in the tenure of our present government. (editor@dailyworld.in)