Bhagat Singh's year-long birth centenary celebrations launched

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New Delhi, Sep 28 (UNI) Rich tributes and homage were paid to iconic freedom fighter Shaheed Bhagat Singh on his birth centenary at a series of events across the capital today.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his message on the occasion, said the country must follow Shaheed Bhagat Singh's ideals to build India of his dreams.

''Shaheed Bhagat Singh immortalised himself by laying down his life for liberating our country from foreign rule.... A compassionate man, his sole aim in life was to see India as an independent country with all its citizens enjoying equal social, political and economic rights,'' he said.

''His Supreme sacrifice inspired the youth of the country, galvanised our freedom movement and made him an icon for the younger generations. The way he condemned meaningless rituals associated with organised religion and his brilliant exposition of his stand on atheism... testified to his abiding humanism,'' he added.

Dr Singh extended his greetings and good wishes to the organisations and people associated with the celebrations.

Union Ministers Arjun Singh and S Jaipal Reddy also paid tributes to the freedom fighter, born on September 28, 1907.

''He founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha to inspire young people to liberate their country from British Imperialism.... He espoused the cause of the poor, the downtrodden and the working class against exploitation,'' Mr Reddy said.

Seminars, public meetings, cultural programmes and exhibitions were held to kickoff the year long-celebrations.

CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan inaugurated a cultural programme organised by Indian Peoples' Theatre Association (IPTA) Delhi unit.

The Institute for Socialist Education and Freedom Movement Memorial Committee held a a public meeting which was presided over by veteran freedom fighter Shashi Bhushan.

The Shaheed Bhagat Singh Birth Centenary Celebration Committee, comprising All India Democratic Students' Organisation, All India Mahila Sanskritik Sangathan, All India Democratic's Youths' Organisation, United Trade Union Centre-Lenin Sarani and the All India Anti-Imperialist Forum, organised a public meeting and quotation exhibition.