Orphanage keeps memories of Udham Singh alive

Divya Sharma

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 20

City-based Central Khalsa Orphanage is keeping the memories of Shaheed Udham Singh alive by preserving his belongings at a room in the orphanage. He lived in the orphanage from 1907 to 1919 after the death of his parents.

Shaheed Udham Singh is remembered for assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, a former lieutenant general of Punjab in the British rule, to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. A huge portrait of the freedom fighter at the entrance to the orphanage located in the Putlighar area welcomes its guests.

The room located in the old building has a cot, a vintage trunk on the one side and a few brass utensils in an almirah. The entire room has been decorated with various pictures of the freedom fighter, documents of the orphanage, and his pictures after assassinating Michael O’Dwyer, besides a big painting of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. 

The orphanage has a library and school, which have been named after the freedom fighter. “We are looking after this room. People come here, especially politicians and dignitaries remembering him on his birth and death anniversary. This place is an inspiration,” said Manjit Singh Virk, superintendent of Central Khalsa Orphanage. 

Meanwhile, a statue of Shaheed Udham Singh will also come up at Jallianwala Bagh. The 10-feet statue will be unraveled in March.