Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the people to take a solemn pledge on this historic day to make Punjab a vibrant and progressive state in the country, free from the maladies of unemployment, poverty and illiteracy to cherish the aspirations of our countless patriots and freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices to free our motherland from the yoke of British imperialism.
Addressing the mammoth gathering after unfurling the National Flag on the 63rd Republic Day Function here at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium, Mr. Badal said that on this auspicious day, India became a sovereign democratic republic and every year we celebrate this august occasion with great enthusiasm and gaiety. He recalled the unparalleled and unique sacrifices made by Punjabis in the national freedom struggle and mentioned that 80% sacrifices had been made by Punjabis alone despite the fact they merely constituted two-and-a-half percent of country’s population. He also referred to Punjab's 60% contribution towards national food kitty in making our country self-reliant in food production.
The Chief Minister further said that it was also a matter of sheer
pride and honour for us that all the eminent movements associated with the country’s freedom struggle like Kuka, Gaddar, Kamagata Maru and Babbar Akali were also spear headed by the brave Punjabis.
Mr. Badal also said that the valiant Punjabis had inherited the spirit of self sacrifice, patriotism from Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, Sri Guru Teg Bahadar ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, who waged a relentless battle against the atrocities and terror unleashed by the mughal emperors to safeguard the human rights in order to protect the innocent and hapless people from their tyranny. Likewise, numerous martyrs since time immemorial have also proved to be a source of inspiration for Punjabis who inherited the spirit of self sacrifice from them.
Mr. Badal said that the rich legacy of unprecedented sacrifices made by martyrs would ever act as a light house to guide the destiny of our future generations. He lamented our freedom fighters laid down their lives to attain independence for our country and hoped their countrymen would lead a life with dignity and honour in free India but however, their hopes were dashed to the ground as the majority of people in our country were still bereft of the basic civic amenities even after 66 years of independence.
Complimenting the brave Punjabis across the state for maintaining peace and communal harmony despite its geographical boundaries in close proximity with Indo-Pak border on one side and Jammu & Kashmir on the other where, violent activities were the order of the day. Mr. Badal said Punjab was the most peaceful state in the country where the peace loving people always strongly believed in the ethos of brotherhood, amity and national integration.
Earlier, Mr. Badal inspected the parade led by Parade Commander Mr. Jagjit Singh Saroa and took a salute during an impressive march past by the contingents of Border Security Force, Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards, NCC Cadets besides the Punjab police band. A colorful variety program including Bhangra, Gidha, Group Dance, PT show presented by the students of various local schools and colleges regaled the audience. As many as 13 tableaux from various departments of the State government were the star attraction of the function.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured the next of kin of the Kargil martyrs besides the freedom fighters with a shawl.
The function was attended by the senior officers of district civil and police administration besides prominent personalities from different walks of the life. Early in the morning paid floral tribute at the memorials of Shaeede Azam Bhagat Singh, Rajguru ,Sukhdev and Raj Matta Smt. Vidya Vati at Hussani Wala .