R-Day: Punjab governor unfurls Tricolour at Fazilka, pays tribute to Ambedkar

Fazilka: Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria unfurled the national flag in Fazilka, marking India's 77th Republic Day, on Monday. Extending warm wishes to all citizens, especially residents of Punjab, he paid tribute to Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution, who established the nation as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. While addressing the state-level Republic Day function, Kataria bowed to the land of Gurus, saints and warriors, and paid homage to martyrs and freedom fighters who made sacrifices for the nation. He recalled the tireless efforts and contributions of freedom fighters to India's unity and Constitution.Choosing Fazilka for the ceremonial honour, the governor stated he felt deeply privileged and emotional. He highlighted Fazilka's enduring role as a sentinel of national security, a land that witnessed countless tales of courage and patriotism. He noted its illustrious past as the largest wool trade centre of undivided Punjab and its current renown for produce like wheat, paddy, cotton, kinnow and the famed ‘Tosha' sweets. He celebrated Fazilka as the birthplace of the Punjabi dance form ‘Jhumar' by Baba Pokhar Singh, and as the home district of luminaries like Indian men's cricket team captain Shubman Gill and ace shooter Arjun Babuta.He congratulated five individuals from Punjab, including legendary actor Dharmendra (Padma Vibhushan), Sant Niranjan Das (Padma Shri), and Indian women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur (Padma Shri). In a solemn act of remembrance, Governor Kataria on Tuesday morning visited the War Memorial at Asafwala, a hallowed ground that stands as a permanent testament to unparalleled courage. This site was raised in eternal memory of 232 brave hearts whose supreme sacrifice during the 1971 India-Pakistan War secured a historic victory for India. MSID:: 127632249 413 |