Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said that every Indian has a dream to see India as a Vishwaguru again and now it was time to realize it. To fulfil this dream, we should take a pledge to contribute in one or the other way on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.He was speaking during a seminar organised in Gaiety Theatre, Shimla today by Sunil Upadhayay Education Trust on 75 Years of Independence, on the occasion of the death anniversary of Sunil Upadhyay.He expressed happiness that today there was an atmosphere of enthusiasm in the country but, we need to reflect on what we have lost and gained in the last 75 years. He said that India has had a rich culture for thousands of years and we got political freedom on 15 August 1947. He said the post-independence to fulfill our aspirations, we started looking towards other countries and adopted their model. He said that the spirit of nationalism which was prominent before independence was less visible post independence and there was a need to introspect on it.Shri Arlekar said that it was the responsibility of everyone to change this environment. He said that today the country has got a strong leadership and a different environment was being created in the country.
In this changing environment, every person should contribute at their own level for the development of the country.He also released a souvenir published by the Trust on the occasion.The Governor honoured seven freedom fighters on the occasion for their outstanding services to the Nation.Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that Sunil Upadhyay had made a great contribution towards the society and established the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad as a strong organization in Himachal. He also mentioned various historical events related to the freedom movement. He said that even today there were people following western ideology in the country but we need to read and follow our glorious history.Ashish Chauhan, Special Guest also shared their views.Chairman, Sunil Upadhayay Education Trust Prof. Sunil Kumar Gupta welcomed the Governor and briefed about the various activities of the Trust.Secretary of the Trust Dr. Surender Sharma proposed a vote of thanks.Advocate General Ashok Sharma, Vice-Chancellor HP University Shimla Prof. Sikander Kumar, Vice chairperson Gudiya Saksham Board Roopa Sharma, Member, UGC Dr. NageshThakur, and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.