Help freedom fighters, Governor urges voluntary organisations

Governor Surjit Singh Barnala handing over the house keys to freedom fighter M.K.M. Amir Hamsa at a function at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. Principal Secretary to Governor C.K. Gariyali is in the picture.

CHENNAI: Governor Surjit Singh Barnala has urged voluntary and charitable trusts to extend a helping hand to freedom fighters and their families. “Though the Central and State Governments have been extending all necessary assistance, it is our duty to show our gratitude to them for their selfless sacrifice,” he said on Tuesday.

Handing over the keys to a house to freedom fighter M.K.M. Amir Hamsa, the Governor said that but for the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters, “we would not be enjoying the fruits of freedom.” They sowed the seeds of patriotism in the minds of people.

Paying tribute to Mr. Hamsa, the Governor said he had donated all his property to Netaji for the freedom movement. As he had no place to reside, K.K. Shah Charitable Trust had donated a new house to him.

The Governor issued plot allotment letters to 50 last-grade employees of the Raj Bhavan. He said that as the cost of land had gone high, it was difficult for any government employee to buy a plot or a flat or a house. Savings and proper planning alone would help them buy a house. While purchasing or constructing a house they should ensure that there was easy access to hospitals, schools and transport.

C.K. Gariyali, Principal Secretary to the Governor, who received allotment letters on behalf of the workers, said a similar housing scheme would be provided to other employees of the Raj Bhavan.

Mr. Hamsa said he donated his property for the freedom struggle not to gain any honour or award; he thought it was his duty to contribute to the freedom movement.

Welcoming the gathering, A. Ramaswamy, coordinator, said Mr. Hamsa, who owned a jewellery shop in Burma, donated 10,000 sovereigns to Nethaji Subash Chandra Bose for his INA. The trust formed in memory of the former Governor, K.K. Shah, had bought 1.5 acres at Pudupattinam for being distributed as plots to the Raj Bhavan employees.

Kancheepuram Collector Pradeep Yadav said the administration would provide infrastructure for the proposed colony. He thanked the trust for its rehabilitation of tsunami victims. Pudupattinam panchayat union chairman E. Pakeer Mohamed said the union would take care of the monthly expenditure of Mr.Hamsa’s family.