AI Generated Summary
- The move, led by the village panchayat, is being hailed as a thoughtful attempt to reconnect younger generations with the legacy of those who shaped the region and the nation through courage, sacrifice and service.
- He added that the village now plans to organise regular awareness sessions — either weekly or fortnightly — where youths will be introduced to the lives, struggles and ideals of the figures after whom the streets are named.
- Seventy-five-year-old Gurdeep Singh, a resident of Roomi, said the village collectively supported the idea because it serves both as a tribute and an educational effort.
In the heart of Punjab’s Ludhiana district, a modest village is drawing statewide attention for an initiative rooted in history, identity and remembrance. Roomi, located along the Jagraon-Raikot road nearly 52 kilometres from Ludhiana city, has transformed its streets into living memorials by naming them after Sikh warriors, freedom fighters and revered social reformers.
The move, led by the village panchayat, is being hailed as a thoughtful attempt to reconnect younger generations with the legacy of those who shaped the region and the nation through courage, sacrifice and service.
From Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the legendary general Hari Singh Nalwa to freedom fighters Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev and Chandrashekhar Azad, the village lanes now carry names that echo Punjab’s rich historical and cultural heritage. Roads have also been dedicated to personalities such as Shaheed Udham Singh, Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, Akali Phoola Singh, Bhai Jaita Ji, Bhai Ghaniya Ji, Dr B.R. Ambedkar and philanthropist Bhagat Puran Singh, founder of Pingalwara.
Prominent signboards displaying these names have been installed throughout the village, turning everyday travel into a reminder of the sacrifices and contributions made by these iconic figures.
Residents say the initiative has generated a renewed sense of pride among villagers. Elderly members of the community, many of whom participated in discussions before the names were finalised, believe the project carries special significance at a time when many young people are increasingly disconnected from their roots.
Seventy-five-year-old Gurdeep Singh, a resident of Roomi, said the village collectively supported the idea because it serves both as a tribute and an educational effort. According to him, the younger generation is often more focused on opportunities abroad and less aware of the lives and sacrifices of Sikh Gurus, warriors and national heroes. Naming streets after them, he said, ensures their stories remain visible and relevant.
Village sarpanch Manpreet Singh said the proposal was passed after consultations with panchayat members and senior residents. More than 50 notable personalities were shortlisted after detailed discussions.
He added that the village now plans to organise regular awareness sessions — either weekly or fortnightly — where youths will be introduced to the lives, struggles and ideals of the figures after whom the streets are named.
The initiative has also brought unexpected recognition to Roomi. Videos showcasing the uniquely named streets have circulated widely on social media, drawing praise from across Punjab and even from Non-Resident Indians abroad. According to the sarpanch, representatives from neighbouring villages have already visited Roomi to study the model, with some panchayats considering similar efforts in their own communities.
What began as a local decision has now evolved into a broader conversation about preserving heritage and strengthening cultural identity at the grassroots level. In a rapidly changing social landscape, Roomi’s effort stands as a reminder that remembrance can be woven not only into textbooks and monuments, but also into the roads people walk every day.
