Balidan Diwas celebrated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 25 2013:
Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) Manipur State Branch has celebrated the 7th Balidan Diwas at Kanglatongbi Gorkha Community Hall today, informed a press release of BGP Manipur.
The function was graced by Kh Devendra Singh, MLA 16-Sekmai AC as chief guest; Devi Prasad Shivakoti, President BGP Manipur and KK Chhetri, Patron BGP Manipur as functional president and guest of honour respectively.
'Balidan Diwas' literally meaning 'Sacrifice Day' is celebrated on this day all over India by the Gorkha community in remembrace of the supreme sacrifice made by Gorkha freedom fighter Major Durga Malla.
On this day in 1944, Durga Malla was hanged to death by the British at Red Fort Delhi.
Tributes were also paid to other Gorkha freedom fighters including Niranjan Singh Chettry.
Born on July 1, 1913 in Dehradun, Major Durga Malla was clever and brilliant from his childhood, and was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters.
He joined 2/1 Gorkha Rifles at the age of 18 .
When Indian National Army (INA) was formed under the leadership of Subhash Chandra Bose, Durga Malla left the British Army and joined the INA, the release stated.
It also said, he was captured by the British at Ukhrul in Manipur on March 27, 1944 and hanged on August 25, 1944 .
His statue was installed within the premises of Parliament which was unveiled by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in September 17, 2004 .