"Respecting martyrs is fundamental duty:" Kerala High Court unveils Martyrs’ Column

The Kerala High Court has unveiled a new Martyrs’ Column erected in its premises in remembrance of all those who attained martyrdom for the country before and after independence. .The structure was inaugurated on August 12, 2022 by Kerala High Court Chief Justice S Manikumar..Speaking at the event, the Chief Justice said that the Martyr's column should be a constant reminder to future generations to respect martyrs and work hard to make India a great country, which he opined is a fundamental duty."Future generations ought to work resolutely towards making India a great country, respecting the martyrs, which I feel is a fundamental duty," he said..In this regard, he also quoted the words of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.“One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives.”.The Chief Justice also went on to say that patriotic men are not just those who lost their lives in the freedom struggle but also in the post-independence era, including those men and women who lost their lives battling the Covid-19 pandemic from the frontline."The Martyr's column being dedicated today is a salute to patriotic men. The dream of the father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, for a free India became a reality only because of the sacrifice of thousands of freedom fighters, many of whom would always remain anonymous and whose names will never find a place in the pages of history. Post-independence also, India has been blessed with brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives. During the pandemic period, we have witnessed many sacrifices for the nation and its people," he said..After thanking the State government, particularly the Public Work Department for completing the project within a very short span of time, the, Chief Justice concluded his speech with the words of American writer, Chester Himes.“Martyrs are needed to create incidents. Incidents are needed to create revolutions. Revolutions are needed to create progress.”