Events in Hills, Plains mark Martyr Malla's death anniversary

SNS, DARJEELING, 25 AUGUST 21 : Twenty different social organisations in Darjeeling came together to mark Balidan Diwas, the day when freedom fighter Major Durga Malla of the Indian National Army was hanged by the British in 1944.

Indian Gorkhas all over the country observe the day as Balidan Diwas (day of sacrifice) with similar programmes not only in the hills but at other places, including the plains, too.

"This programme was organised in collaboration with 20 different social organisations to mark the death anniversary of Saheed Durga Malla. We have been talking

about working together for the betterment of society and such an instance was seen today," said Vikram Rai, the founder of VikRun Foundation, one of organisations, which hosted the event at Chowrasta, a popular promenade in Darjeeling town.

As part of the programme today, a blood donation camp, motorcycle rally and a 21-km run wad also organised. Along with that, a kiosk was also set up where information on the different Indian Gorkha freedom fighters was on display.

"We feel that locals and tourists should know about our freedom fighters and the contribution they have made to the country," said Mr Rai.

At the blood donation camp, leader of the Gorkhalan Mukti Morcha-2 Anit Thapa also donated blood.

In Siliguri, the Bhanubhakta Samiti also organised an event to mark the day at Pradhan Nagar, where tributes were paid to the martyrs by several organisations. The Samiti also organised a blood donation programme where over 100 individuals donated blood, organisers said.