The 72nd Himachal Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour in the State on Monday. Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of the march past at the State-level Himachal Day function held on the historic Ridge, Shimla.The Governor inspected the parade and took the salute from an impressive march past led by Parade Commander Deputy Superintendent of Police Shakti Singh. The march past was presented by the contingents of State Police, Home Guards, Bharat Scouts & Guides and NCC cadets.While congratulating on the occasion of Himachal Day, the Governor said that this beautiful hill state came into existence on April 15, 1948 with the merger of 30 small hill princely states. Our rich culture, high traditions and natural beauty were the distinctive identity of Dev Bhoomi and the real power of the state was its honest and hard-working people, said the Governor. He added that there was a peaceful atmosphere and social harmony which makes this hilly state different from others.The Governor said that it was a matter of great pleasure that after coming into existence, this small hill state made a rapid journey of development. Difficult geographical conditions, inaccessible areas and other complexities also did not reduce the courage of the working people. He said that the honest and hard working people have taken the state to heights, which was an example for others. He congratulated all the people of the region for this achievement.“This small hill state started this successful development with very little resources and today, Himachal Pradesh is considered the forerunner of hill development and ideal state across the country.
The credit goes to the honest people who have brought the State to this dimension of development with their loyalty and passion. I hope that with the same enthusiasm in the future, we will always strive to keep the state on the path of progress”, said Acharya Devvrat.He said that youth were the real wealth of a nation as the conscious youth could empower the country and move on the path of progress and development. He expressed concern that many youth were in the grip of drug addiction which was a serious threat to the society.He said we will have to work together against such social evil so that the youth could be made aware of its ill effects. It would include an effective message by adding educational institutions, all sections of society, youth and parents so that their energy and strength could be utilized in nation building. He said that every section of the society should take the initiative seriously against the social evils and empower the state.The Governor expressed his gratitude to those great sons of the state who have contributed for the development of Himachal Pradesh. He also paid tribute to those great freedom fighters of the State who made important contributions in making the country self-reliant. He also paid homage to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of the nation.A colourful cultural programme was presented on the occasion. The main attraction of the programme were the students of Gurukul Kurukshetra, who performed Malkumbh and yoga which was lauded by one and all.On this occasion, a small skit was also performed organized by the District Election Department to make voters aware about importance of voting.Chief Secretary B.K. Agarwal, Director General of Police S.R. Mardi, Additional Chief Secretaries, Secretaries and senior officers of the State Government and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.