Punjab Vidhan Sabha speaker Dr Charanjit Singh Atwal 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 besides the curse of drugs, 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 gathering after unfurling the National Flag at the 70th Independence Day function here at Guru Nanak Dev Stadium, Dr Charanjit Singh Atwal said that on this auspicious day, India became a sovereign and democratic nation after emancipation from the clutches of British rule adding that every year this august day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety.
Recalling the unparalleled and unique sacrifices made by Punjabis in the national freedom struggle, he mentioned that 80% sacrifices had been made by Punjabis alone at the altar of their motherland despite the fact they merely constituted two percent of country’s population. He 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.The Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker further said that it was a well known fact that the hard working and resilient farmers of the state had played a crucial role in making the country self reliant in the food production. He said that the hard working farmers of Punjab had exploited the only available natural resources of the state in terms of fertile soil and water to feed the nation, a tradition which has been successfully carried from 1960s till now. He said that despite of the vagaries of weather the contribution of the state in national food pool has always been on the top.
Earlier, Dr Atwal accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Mr Ravi Bhagat and Commissioner of Police Mr Jatinder Singh Aulakh inspected the parade led by Parade Commander ACP Mr. Amandeep Singh Brar and took a salute during an impressive march past by the contingents of Punjab Police, Traffic Police, NCC Cadets, Girls Scouts and Guides, NCC Air Wing besides the Punjab Police band. A colourful variety program including Bhangra, Giddha and group dance presented by the students of various local schools regaled the audience.On the occasion, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker honoured the freedom fighters and their next of kin, in recognition to their enormous contribution in the country’s freedom struggle. During the function, Dr Charanjit Singh Atwal also honoured 16 eminent personalities from different walks of life for making outstanding contribution in different fields. Tricycles and sewing machines were also distributed amongst physically challenged and widows respectively.
The function was enthusiastically attended by the senior officers of district civil and police administration besides prominent personalities from different walks of the life.Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mayor Mr Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria, Dalit Vikas Board Chairman Mr Vijay Danav, District & Sessions Judge Mr Karamjit Singh Kang, Punjab Traders Board Vice Chairman Mr Madan Lal Bagga, Punjab Planning Board Vice Chairman Prof Rajinder Bhandari, ex MLA Mr Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal, BJP District President Mr Ravinder Arora, Mr Bhagwan Singh, MC Commissioner Mr Ghanshyam Thori, DCP Mr Dhruman Nimble, Chairman Safai Karamchari Board Mr Raj Kumar Atikai, ADC (Development) Miss Apneet Riyait, ADC (General) Dr Rishi Pal Singh, SDM Mr Paramjit Singh, besides several others.