Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh dedicates monuments to the public, saying they will inspire pride in the state’s cultural identity and patriotism among future generations
TFP Bureau, Raipur, June 16,2026: Bhatapara marked a significant cultural and historical occasion on Tuesday as Chhattisgarh Assembly Speaker Dr. Raman Singh unveiled statues of Chhattisgarh Mahtari and 1971 war hero Flight Lieutenant Shrikrishna Gajanan Khonde during his one-day visit to Baloda Bazar-Bhatapara district.
The twin inaugurations were hailed as a tribute to both the state’s cultural legacy and the spirit of national service. Speaking at the event, Dr. Singh said the statue of Martyr Shrikrishna Gajanan Khonde would inspire young people to dedicate themselves to the nation and remind future generations of the sacrifices made by India’s brave soldiers.
“The country can never forget the supreme sacrifice of Martyr Khonde,” he said while paying homage to the decorated officer.
During the visit, Dr. Singh also met members of the martyr’s family, including his daughter Priya Khonde and brother Prabhakar Khonde, and enquired about their well-being.
The Assembly Speaker began the programme by unveiling the statue of Chhattisgarh Mahtari at Chhattisgarh Mahtari Chowk in Bhatapara. He garlanded the statue and offered prayers for the peace, prosperity and continued progress of the state.
He later proceeded to the Martyr Shrikrishna Gajanan Khonde memorial complex, where he unveiled the statue of the Flight Lieutenant who laid down his life during the 1971 India-Pakistan War. The ceremony paid tribute to Khonde’s courage and enduring legacy as a symbol of patriotism and sacrifice.
State Revenue Minister Shri Tankram Verma, former Assembly Speaker Shri Gaurishankar Agrawal and several senior public representatives attended the event. Among the other dignitaries present were Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board Chairman Shri Anurag Singhdeo, Chhattisgarh State Cooperative Bank Chairman Shri Kedarnath Gupta, former MLAs Shri Shivratan Sharma and Dr. Sanam Jangde, Zila Panchayat President Akanksha Jaiswal and Municipal Council President Ashwani Sharma.
Baloda Bazar Collector Kuldeep Sharma, Superintendent of Police O.P. Sharma, administrative officials and a large number of local residents also participated in the commemorative programme.
