Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reflected on a significant national effort that fulfilled the long-cherished wish of freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma, urging young Indians to draw inspiration from his life and contributions to the country’s independence movement.
In a statement shared on X, in response to a post by the Modi Archive handle, the Prime Minister recalled a historic initiative undertaken in August 2003, when, as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, he facilitated the return of Shyamji Krishna Varma’s ashes from Geneva, Switzerland, to India. Varma, who passed away in 1930, had expressed a heartfelt desire for his ashes to rest in a free India—a wish that remained unfulfilled for decades until this effort.
The Prime Minister described the initiative as a deeply satisfying endeavour that honoured the legacy of a courageous son of Maa Bharti. He emphasized that the return of Varma’s ashes was a testament to India’s commitment to preserving the memory of its freedom fighters and their sacrifices.
Encouraging the youth to learn about Varma’s life, PM Modi highlighted his fearless pursuit of justice and unwavering dedication to India’s independence. “May more youngsters read about his greatness and bravery!” the Prime Minister remarked, underscoring the importance of connecting new generations with the inspiring stories of the freedom struggle.