Sri Fatehgarh Sahib/9 April:
(Ravinder Singh Dhindsa)
In a proud moment for the academic fraternity, Dr. Zora Singh, Chancellor of Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, was honoured by the Haryana Sahit and Sanskritik Akadamy (Punjabi) for his outstanding contributions to the field of education and culture. The recognition came during the book release ceremony of a landmark historical work held at the Chandigarh Press Club. The event marked the formal release of the highly anticipated book "Revolutionaries and The British Raj: Martyrs of The Hardinge Bomb Outrage", authored by renowned historian Dr. Amarjit Singh, superannuated Professor from Kurukshetra University. This scholarly work sheds new light on the revolutionary struggle in Punjab and Delhi in the early 20th century and offers fresh perspectives on the ideological motivations of key martyrs such as Master Amir Chand, Bhai Bal Mukund, Awadh Bihari and Basant Kumar Biswas. The book was unveiled in the presence of an esteemed panel of dignitaries, including Prof. S. K. Gakhar, Vice Chairperson, Haryana State Higher Education Council; Prof. Viney Kapoor Mehra, Former Vice-Chancellor, Dr B.R. Ambedkar National Law University, Sonipat and Sardar Harpal Singh Gill, Director, Haryana Sahit and Sanskritik Akadamy (Punjabi), who presented a special felicitation to Dr. Zora Singh.
Dr. Singh was lauded for his vision in promoting higher education and preserving Punjabi language and culture through academic and institutional initiatives. In his address, he congratulated Dr. Amarjit Singh for bringing to light the heroic yet underrepresented narratives of India's revolutionary martyrs. “This book is a much-needed reminder of the profound impact of revolutionaries who dreamed of a united and egalitarian India,” he remarked. Dr. Zora Singh’s honour reflects his enduring commitment to nation-building through education and culture, and his active support for initiatives that keep the spirit of India’s rich historical legacy alive. The event stood as a testament to the convergence of academic excellence and cultural heritage.
Dr. Amarjit Singh’s new work not only uncovers untold aspects of the Hardinge Bomb Outrage case but also challenges prevailing narratives around the revolutionary movement in colonial India. Eminent personalities such as Prof. M.M. Goel, Former Vice-Chancellor, Startex University, Prof. Manohar Lal Sharma, Former Director of Gandhian Studies, Panjab University, Pro. Mnaju Malhotra, U S Dhillon and many others praised the work as a transformative contribution to Indian historiography. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Tapan Girdhar, while Dr. Suman Siwach and Dr. Dharamveer Saini conducted the proceedings with poise and precision.