Martyred Intellectuals' Day

Merely going through the rituals of observing the day every year cannot be the end of it all. Surely we owe much more to these illustrious people. It is indeed our sacred duty, and we owe it to our posterity to uphold the ideals for which they laid down their lives. We have not only failed to do so but also find that many of those perpetrators, planners and collaborators of the occupation forces who masterminded the brutal killings and were actively involved in the brutality, stalk our sacred homeland. Indeed it seems that their plans are being fulfilled.

It also pains us to see as to how the families of the martyred intellectuals are passing their days in total oblivion and seclusion. On this day we are sorry to say that today's intellectuals, many of who were once protégés and students of the martyred intellectuals have done but little to preserve their memories or advance the ideals for which they died. Regrettably, they are quickly fading from our minds.

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One may speak volumes about the negligence and apathy of the successive governments over time, and their failures, but surely we, as citizens too, are also to blame for this utterly degrading and shameful situation. We too have failed to duly honour and recognise the contribution of these illustrious and brave men and women who gave their lives so that we could live in an independent homeland of ours.

At a time when the country is passing through one of the most critical times of its existence, let us promise to do more for these valiant Martyrs by underlining their contributions to our society, from which the future generations cannot only enrich themselves but also learn from the examples of indomitable spirit of dedication and sacrifice that these intellectuals had set.