NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee on Tuesday paid glowing tributes to Bhagat Singh and martyrs of the 1857 Revolt and said tireless endeavours and many sacrifices of martyrs eventually paved the way for India's Independence.

"While remembering our martyrs and freedom-fighters, we must also remember the fact that they were inspired by certain values — the values that were meant for upholding national unity and communal harmony," Mr. Chatterjee said.

He was addressing a function to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Revolt at Hansi, Haryana.

Mr. Chatterjee said the martyrs not only gave up their lives for the sake of freedom but also left a message for the future generation — the message of sacrifice, courage of conviction, a strong belief in the ultimate victory of the people in their war against oppression.

"Need to introspect"

Though the country was into the seventh decade of freedom, there was a need for introspection.

"We need to introspect and see to what extent have we been able to realise the dreams of our founding fathers and the martyrs of our freedom movement. Their dreams about a resurgent India and an egalitarian society free from class exploitation and oppression still remain unfulfilled."

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