PILNI (KAITHAL), MARCH 24(Balbir Singh)The All-India Shahidi Samman Sangrash Samiti (AISSSS) honoured freedom fighters, outstanding sportspersons and talented students of this and surrounding villages at a function organised in memory of freedom fighters here today, 14 km from Kaithal. The freedom fighters and sportspersons were given cash awards while brilliant students were presented mementos.
Haryana Olympic Association president Abhey Singh Chautala was the chief guest while AISSS president and HOA general secretary Dr Mohinder Singh Malik, IPS (Retd) presided over the function. A sizable crowd thronged the venue greeted the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Abhey Chautala said that "we must give respect to the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to give breath us freedom. Earlier, sports melas were held to pay tribute to the freedom fighters. He advised that next year, a sports mela in memory of the freedom fighters should be organised while promising all help in their efforts."
Freedom fighters or their families who were felicitated on the occasion were Vikas Bhardwaj, Suresh Kumar, Pyare Lal Sharma, S Jagir Singh, Niranjan Singh, Satbir Singh and Kanwal Hariyanvi.Oustanding sportspersons of the area who were felicitated were: Baru Ram (wrestliing), Upama Lakhan Pal (judo), Suresh (kabaddi), Shiv Narain Sharma (volleyball) and Sonia Devi (kabaddi).
Shailender Kumar, Somnath Sharma, Kiran Khadkar, Vikram Singh and Hira Lal were the students who were presented mementos.
AISSS general secretary Raj Kumar Aggarwal, former Haryana Irrigation Minister Narinder Sharma and All India Bar Association chairman Adish C Aggarwal were also present on the occasion.