Sahib Thind meets Haryana CM Saini; Seeks University in memory of ‘Pagri Sambhal Jatta’ Leader Lala Kedarnath Sehgal
Sahib Thind holds special meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, April 28, 2026: Sahib Singh Thind, head of the Prof. Mohan Singh Memorial Foundation (Canada) and a long-time advocate for recognizing the legacy of Ghadri Babas, Babbar Akalis, and other freedom fighters, held a special meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on April 27.
The meeting, initiated by Dr. Pritam Singh Dod, took place in the Haryana Assembly Speaker’s chamber in the presence of Speaker Harvinder Kalyan. During the interaction, Thind apprised the Chief Minister of several demands related to the preservation and promotion of India’s freedom struggle history.
Following the meeting, Thind appreciated the Chief Minister’s positive approach and stated that Nayab Singh Saini responded with warmth and assured that the proposals would be examined sympathetically and appropriate action would be considered.
Notably, Sahib Thind has been leading a global initiative for over two decades to honour the sacrifices of Ghadri Babas, Babbar Akalis, and other revolutionaries. Under this initiative, a “Ghadri Babas Mela” has been organised annually in Surrey, Canada, where families of martyrs and freedom fighters are specially honoured.
Key Demands Raised
In a formal representation submitted to the Haryana Government, Thind demanded due recognition for freedom fighter and “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” movement leader Lala Kedarnath Sehgal, urging that:
- A university be established in Ambala in his memory
- His contribution to the freedom struggle be included in school, college, and university curricula
Key Demands Raised Who Was Lala Kedarnath Sehgal?
According to Thind, Lala Kedarnath Sehgal joined the independence movement at the age of just 11 and spent nearly 26 years in imprisonment. He was a close associate of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and played an active role in the 1907 “Pagri Sambhal Jatta” movement alongside leaders such as Sardar Ajit Singh and Sufi Amba Prasad. He also presided over the first convention of the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in 1928.
Known as the ‘Siahposh General’
Sehgal was popularly known as the “Siahposh General” due to his lifelong vow of wearing black clothes in protest against British rule until India achieved independence. He upheld this commitment even after independence, and as per his final wish, he was cremated in black attire. He passed away in 1963.
Paying tribute at the time of his death, then Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had remarked that “a star that had been shining in the nation’s sky for 50 years has fallen today.”
Thind expressed hope that the Haryana Government would honour this lesser-known yet significant freedom fighter by establishing a memorial university and inspiring future generations with his legacy.