Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today gave a call to protect the hard-won freedom of the country, which was attained by our freedom fighters after a long struggle.
Addressing the people in the Republic Day function here today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that we are fortunate that we are enjoying the fruits of independence. He said that this independence of the country could be attainted after unparalleled sacrifices of our freedom fighters including Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. He said that it was matter of great pride for all of us that we are part of the largest democracy of the world that has withstood all challenges during last 63 years. He said that it was more important as other countries that attained freedom with us, fell to dictatorial regimes where people don’t have any fundamental right of speech and expression.
Mr. Badal said that India has a vibrant democratic institution that gives freedom to every religion to propagate its massage and gives right to every citizen to profess religion of their choice. He said that we are proud of the fact that in India, people of various religions, castes and cultures live together peacefully and work collectively for the progress of the country.
Giving a call to fight the menace of drug addiction in the society, he said that we should all collectively work out a strategy to fight this menace that was harming the youth of the nation. He said that with our collective will we can tackle this menace.
Earlier Mr. Badal accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam and SSP Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar unfurled the tricolor and took a guard of honour from the contingents of Punjab Police and Punjab Armed Police. He also took salute from the march past led by DSP Harbans Singh Riar in which contingents of Punjab Police, Home Guards, NCC, NCC (Girls) and different schools of SAS District participated.
The program was marked by mass PT show by the students of Government Senior Model School 3B-1, who with synchronized choreography set the stage for multihued one hour long cultural program. The patriotic chorus by students of Shivalik Public School, action songs by the students Shastri Model School won the hearts of the people. The Haryanavi dance by the students of APS World School mesmerized the people. The Students of ITI gave a social message against female foeticide and the patriotic fervour reached its pinnacle with the action song sung by the students of Golden Bell Public School and performance of Giddha and Bhangra by Paragon Senior Secondary School. Mr. Badal also honoured freedom fighters of the district with a mementoes and shawls.
On this occasion a holiday was announced on January 27 in all schools and colleges of the district.