The outgoing Punjab Governor Shivraj V Patil today said that he would ever remain indebted to Punjab and its people for the support, cooperation, love and affection showered upon him during his stint as the constitutional head of the state. In his farewell address while demitting the gubernatorial office after the completion of his term, the former Governor recalled the unstinted cooperation extended to him by the people, officers, Ministers and leaders of the various political parties and above all the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal. In an emotionally surcharged speech Mr. Patil said that he was overwhelmed by the several pleasant memories while discharging his duties as the Governor of Punjab and administrator of the Union territory of Chandigarh, which would ever remain his treasure. Mr. Patil said that his formidable strength was the smooth cooperation and support given by the people while rendering services to this coveted office efficaciously to the satisfaction of general public.
The former Governor said that this approach also helped him to take decisions absolutely in a free, impartial and unbiased manner probably, which was the hallmark of the administration of any constitutional office. Striking a nostalgic note the outgoing Governor said, “My mind is filled with countless memories which I am unable to express in words but these will ever remain afresh on my mind and act as a source of inspiration for me”. Earlier the Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal felicitated Mr. Patil on the occasion and wished him a pleasant, prosperous and healthy life ahead.
Later, the outgoing Governor accompanied by Director General of Police (DGP) Mr. Sumedh Singh Saini took a salute from the contingent of Punjab Police band. Prominent amongst other who were present on the occasion included Cabinet Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Babu Parkash Chand Garg, Lok Sabha MP Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya, Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Additional Chief Secretaries Mr. Suresh Kumar and Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar. Apart from this senior functionaries of civil and Police administration of Punjab and Chandigarh also attended the farewell function.