At Reasi, Chering Dorjay, Minister of State for Cooperative (Independent Charge) and MoS Ladakh Affairs unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past of contingents drawn from J&K Police, CRPF, NCC and educational institutions at an impressive function at Sports Stadium here this morning.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the Minster said that the Nation owes gratitude to these great leaders who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom from foreign rule.He also paid tribute to the soldiers and security personnel who stand as the guardians to maintain peace and protect the sovereignty of the country. He said that India is known for its unity amidst diversity of religion, region and culture, while exhorting “We have to strengthen the bonds of unity and brotherhood to take the state on the path of progress”.
He underlined the importance of sustained peace and amity in the state and called upon all the stakeholders to rise above the issues of caste and religion and focus on inclusive growth of one and all. “As democracy has given us fundamental rights, we also ought to fulfil our duties towards our society and nation” he said.Highlighting the major developmental projects taken up in Reasi to provide better facilities to the people, he said New Hospital, Widening of Katra-Reasi-Rajouri road; Development activities at Shiv Khori cave Shrine, Single Window System and other tourist related project have been initiated to tap the tourism potential of the area.
Earlier students of Government and Private educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme depicting rich culture and conveying the message of patriotism and national integration.At Katra, Ajit Kumar Sahu, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past.Meanwhile similar functions were also held at Sub Division and Tehsil headquarters across the district where people including men, women and children participated in large numbers.