AI Generated Summary
- The 21-year-old lost his life trying to save a fellow cadet when the ground caved in from the vibration of a passing train — a story of bravery that earned him the title of Shaheed.
- Tucked away in the bustling lanes of Model Town stands a park meant to immortalize a young hero — but what was once a space of reverence has now become a picture of decay.
- His death in 1954 marked one of the earliest instances of an NCC cadet sacrificing his life in service to the nation.
Tucked away in the bustling lanes of Model Town stands a park meant to immortalize a young hero — but what was once a space of reverence has now become a picture of decay.
Named after Shaheed Chhattar Singh Dhadhli, a cadet of the 3rd Punjab Battalion, NCC, the park was created to commemorate his sacrifice. Singh, a student of Arya College, died on January 2, 1954, while assisting in excavation work on the Ludhiana–Dhuri railway line. The 21-year-old lost his life trying to save a fellow cadet when the ground caved in from the vibration of a passing train — a story of bravery that earned him the title of Shaheed.
A Memorial in Ruins
Today, the park that bears his name is barely recognizable. Overrun with weeds, garbage, and rodents, it sits in stark contrast to its intended purpose. Iron fences stand broken, stray animals roam freely, and the footpaths are cracked beyond repair. Piles of waste and burnt leaves — despite the National Green Tribunal’s ban — leave behind an acrid stench that keeps most residents away.
The bust of Chhattar Singh, installed in a corner of the park, stands surrounded by filth. There is no signage or plaque to tell visitors who he was or why this place matters.
Voices of Discontent
Local residents and activists are now demanding action. Arvind Sharma, a social worker, recently wrote to the Punjab State Human Rights Commission, appealing for the park’s restoration.
“It’s heartbreaking that a space meant to honour a martyr has been reduced to a dumping ground,” Sharma said. “Even Google Maps doesn’t recognise it by name. This isn’t just negligence — it’s a failure to preserve our history.”
Residents share his frustration. Sunita Rani, a homemaker living nearby, described the park as “a breeding ground for rats.”
“The stench is unbearable during monsoon. Children can’t play here anymore. It’s unsafe and depressing,” she said.
Another resident, Harpal Singh, added, “We’ve stopped going there altogether. What was once our neighbourhood’s pride has become its shame.”
A Vanished Community Space
The park wasn’t always this way. In its heyday — through the 1970s and 1980s — it was a hub for morning walkers, children, and families. Joginder Lal, an 82-year-old resident, recalls,
“There was a time when people gathered here every evening. Kids played, elders talked politics and poetry. Now, the statue is hidden behind tall grass. It feels like we’ve forgotten the boy who died for others.”
Ironically, the park once served as a “protest park,” a rallying point for workers’ unions and civic groups before marches to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Yet, even in its former prominence, few knew the story behind its name.
A Call for Restoration
Sharma’s petition urges authorities to restore the park’s identity — both physically and digitally. His demands include cleaning and maintaining the grounds, installing informative boards about Chhattar Singh’s life, and ensuring that the park’s name appears correctly on public maps and records.
“We owe it to our heroes,” Sharma said. “Remembering them shouldn’t be limited to history books. The spaces built in their memory should reflect the respect they deserve.”
Remembering a Young Hero
Born in Ludhiana, Chhattar Singh Dhadhli was a promising NCC cadet who died in an act of selflessness while serving the community. He was part of a student contingent helping in railway excavation work when tragedy struck. His death in 1954 marked one of the earliest instances of an NCC cadet sacrificing his life in service to the nation.
A Legacy Waiting to Be Revived
As Ludhiana modernizes rapidly, this forgotten corner of Model Town stands as a stark reminder of the city’s uneasy relationship with memory. Once a park of pride, Shaheed Chhattar Singh Dhadhli Park now awaits attention — and redemption.
“A city that forgets its heroes forgets a part of itself,” said Gurbaksh Singh, a senior citizen. “We hope the authorities act soon, so that this park can again become a place of honour — not of neglect.”
