They Died for the Flag; Gulab Singh Lodhi

 Gulab Singh Lodhi was a freedom fighter from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh. He laid down his life at the historic ‘Aminuddaulla Park’ at Aminabad, Lucknow, in August 1935 while trying to unfurl the tri-colour flag defying a Government order that was unacceptable to freedom fighters. He was shot dead by a British police officer when he was climbing a tree in the park to hoist the flag atop. Since then it started to be referred as the Jhandewala Park. (Jhandewala means ‘standard bearer’). 

India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp on Gulab Singh Lodhi on 23rd December 2013.
The park was the epicentre of political activities in the city of Lucknow. It is said that freedom fighters first hoisted the tricolour flag in the park in 1928. The British India government, in order to suppress the freedom movement had banned waving of the tricolour flag.

Memorial of Amar Shaheed Gulab Singh Lodhi

The Statue was unveiled by Mulayam Singh Yadav, Chief Minister – U.P.
On 23rd August 2004 at Jhandewala Park
Aminabad, Lucknow.

 There is a memorial of the ‘Jhanda Gaan’ (song of the flag) penned by Shyam Lal Gupt ‘Parshad’ of Kanpur  

      Jhanda ooncha rahe hamara

Sada shakti barsanewala

Iski shann ajanepaaye ...’

(May our flag always fly high

Constant source of undying strength

May its glory never fade…)

  (This memorial was dedicated to the citizens of Lucknow on 26th January 2003.)