Mumbai: The names of the 106 martyrs of the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement will be inscribed on the facade near the entrance to the Air India new administrative building.The Air India building was acquired by the govt for Rs 1600 crore and is currently under renovation. State culture minister Ashish Shelar had written to CM Devendra Fadnavis for the same and the latter has accepted the proposal, said Shelar. At a recent meeting CM Devendra Fadnavis had directed the chief secretary Rajesh Aggarwal to decide which govt depts will be shifted to the sea-facing building.In his letter, Shelar noted the 106 protesters had sacrificed their lives during the historic movement for the formation of Samyukta Maharashtra. Their supreme sacrifice paved the way for the formation of Maharashtra, and their contribution remains an indelible part of the state’s history.The 106 protesters had been killed in police firing.Shelar further stated that if required, the Directorate of Cultural Affairs would extend the necessary assistance to the concerned department for carrying out the work. “Maharashtra exists because of the sacrifices of these martyrs. Keeping their memory alive will inspire generations to come. It is our responsibility to give their sacrifice a place of honour on behalf of the govt. Displaying the names of all 106 martyrs on the facade of the administrative building would be a true tribute to their sacrifice,” he said.
