Dharamshala: A park in the name of Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, known as ‘Hero of Skardu’ on the Dharamshala-Mcleodganj road, was inaugurated today by Dr. Nipun Jindal, Deputy Commissioner, Kangra.
The brave Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa of Dharamsala did not allow Pakistan to capture Sakardu for almost ten months in 1947-48 despite being surrounded by the Pakistani army on the hills of Sakardu. Under the leadership of Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, the tricolor was kept on hoisting at Sakardu till August 1948. Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa was later awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. The Skardu Valley is located in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.
At the time of inauguration of the park, Dr. Nipun Jindal said that it is a matter of great pride for us that Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa, known as ‘Hero of Skardu’, was related to Dharamshala. He said that the park named after Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa had been upgraded and beautified by the district administration to make it more dignified. “Himachal Pradesh has the privilege of being the land of Gods as well as the land of heroes. The tourists coming here from the point of view of tourism should also be introduced to the bravery of the martyrs of the region,”said Dr Jindal.
He further added, “It is my good fortune that today I have got the opportunity to inaugurate this park on the occasion of the death anniversary of Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa on 25th February. Tourists and local people coming here will get information about the bravery saga of Brigadier Sher Jung Thapaand the the young generation would take inspiration from the war heros.”
DC said that the state government is working to develop Kangra district as tourism capital. He said that such projects can prove helpful in this direction. He said that the heroes of district Kangra have the distinction of getting hundreds of gallantry awards along with two Paramveer Chakras. He said that by marking the history of these sacrificial heroes and their bravery stories, along with tourism, people will also get information about history.
He said that apart from this, information on India’s war history and its related history has also been made available in the War Museum, Dharamshala. He said that through these, where tourism will get a boost in the district, people will be able to get acquainted with the history of their sacrifices.
Family members of Brigadier Sher Jung Thapa and Brigadier Sambayal, Commander, Military Station Dharamshala were especially present on the occasion.
Arvind Sharma is an award winning bi-lingual journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
He has worked with Divya Himachal, Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhasker, Vir Partap, Ajit and PTI.
In 2010, he was conferred the Himachal Kesri journalism award. He reports on the Tibetan Government in Exile, politics, sports, tourism and other topics. He lives in Dharamshala.
