Martyrs--there have been many who blessed our beloved homeland. From the time we fought against the colonial British empire to the eventual demise of autocratic Rana regime and much maligned Panchayati prajatantra, many people have given up their lives in their fight to keep us an independent nation against British expansionism, or struggle to win political freedom from narrow-interest political systems.

We celebrate "Martyr's Day" every year, but now we can proudly proclaim that we are going to keep the spirit and memory of our martyrs thriving and burning through the construction of a much deserved memorial site in out Kingdom. Such a site has been in development in Hetauda, Nepal for some time now.

Here I present a few facts and outline of this project that is underway. A brochure in Nepali is also available for more information!

Background:

After the successful people's movement in 2046, the present site was established with the aim to channel people's creative energy into social and developmental aspects. In BS 2047, it was initially named "Martyr Memorial Garden"


Since then Hetauda municipality has taken a continued interest to develop this site. Various interested individuals, industries and corporations have also extended invaluable support by investing for the development of this park. The objetive is to make it the biggest and a unique memorial park that stays above petty partition politics.

The rock was brought from the local River Saraswati. Three students from Fine Arts Campus (Lalit Kala Campus, Bhotahiti) Govinda Chaudhari, Kamlesh Maharjan and Prithvi Shrestha worked for almost a year to engrave 12 faces to complete the main memorial. The martyrs included are:

1. Bhakti Thapa, BS 1802-1872, Deuthal, British
2. Dasharath Chandra, BS 1960-1997, Sobha Bhagwati, Rana
3. Ganga Lal Shrestha, BS 1975-1997, Sobha Bhagwati, Rana
4. Dharma Bhakta Mathema, BS 1965-1997, Siphal, Rana
5. Shukra Raj Shastri, BS 1950-1997, Pachali, Rana
6. Bhim Dutt Panta, BS 1983-2010, Dadeldhura, Transition govt.
7. Durga Nanda Jha, BS 1999-2020, Janakpur, Panchayat
8. Biren Rajbanshi, BS 2001-2029, Sukhani, Panchayat
9. Cpt. Yagya Bahadur Thapa, BS -2035, Okhaldhunga, Panchayat
10. Ratna Kumar Bantawa, BS 2008-2035, Evang, Panchayat
11. Prabhakar Poudel, BS 2021-2036, Hetauda, Panchayat
12. Muneshori Yadav, BS 2001-2046, Yadkuwa, Panchayat
    
    Main Attractions
    The Memorial Monument
    
    The main attraction is the carved monument itself. The rock has 12 faces engraved on its three sides. On the south side are: Bhakti Thapa, Shukra Raj Shastri, Dasharath Chandra, Dharma Bhakta Mathema, and Ganga Lal Shrestha.
    On the east are: Bhim Dutt Panta, Biren Rajbanshi, Yagya Bahadur Thapa, Durgananda Jha and Muneshori Yadav.
    On the west side are: Prabhakar Paudel and Ratna Kumar Bantawaa.
    This engraving of 12 faces in a single rock stands unique in Nepal.
    
    
    The Fountain Park
    
    Nepal Tobacco Co. has contribited to set up a park with wooden benches surrounding an artificial fountain. One can rest and have a good view of other attractions from this area.
    
    The Temple
    
    
    Local enterpreneur Ranjendra Singhal has constructed a goddess temple which now serves in such ceremonies as marriages and rite of passages (Bratavandha) for boys.
    
    The Tower
    
    A two tier view tower that gives good view of the monument, mini zoo, temple as well as the industrial district of HID, River Rapti and other scenic surrounding was constructed courtesy of Narayani Transportation Workers Association.
    
    The Mini Zoo
    To the north of the monument about 10 katthas of land has been acquired to make a mini zoo. At present there are two Chittals (dears), three Ratuamrigas (red dears), one peacock and about 30 rabbits and other birds and animals in open as well as closed encampments.
    
    
    Next page: The future expansion plan