Extending greetings to the people on sixty-ninth Independence Day, Minister of State for Information, Education and Culture Priya Sethi said that the day reminds us of the supreme sacrifices made by the national heroes to free the country from the foreign rule and to ensure that coming generations breathe in a free atmosphere.“On this day we must pledge to join hands for working together to realize the dream of making the country a truly great nation, as dreamt by the leaders of the national movement,” she added.The Minister was speaking as chief guest at a function organized by the Department of Information and Public relations in collaboration with Government College for Women, Parade to mark the 69th Independence Day celebrations here today.On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Simrandeep Singh was also present as Guest of Honour.
The cultural extravaganza featured songs and gazals by renowned artists of Information Department, students of GCW, Gandhi Nagar, GCW, Parade and Model Institute of Educational Research (MIER).The scintillating cultural program showcased composite culture of the State and left the audience spell bound.Joint-Director Information Mr. Nagendra Singh Jamwal, Principal, GCW Parade, Prof (Dr.) Renu Goswami, Deputy Director Information Public Relations Afshan Masood, Deputy Director Information Priyanka Bhat, Assistant Directors, Ms. Mamta Bhagat, Ms. Avleen Kour, Vivek Phonsa, Cultural Officer, Raman Joshi besides other officers and staff of information department, prominent citizens, media personalities and students in large numbers attended the function.
The Minister said that since independence, the country has achieved remarkable progress and made a mark in the world stage in science, information technology, economy and other fields, adding that lot more is to be further achieved to develop India into a truly developed State and a super power.Appreciating the Information Department for organizing a wonderful programme with the involvement of students to mark the Independence Day celebrations, the Minister said such type of programmes not only provide a platform to the students and artists to show their hidden talent but also enlightens us about the cultural heritage of the State.She called upon the younger generation particularly girls to get education and contribute towards nation building.
“Education of girl child is very important as educated women can spread the light of education into the whole family”, she added.Lauding multi-faceted role being played by the Information Department, Mrs. Sethi said that besides making people acquainted with the developmental and welfare policies of the Government, the department is also working towards promotion of art, culture and literature by organizing debates, mushaira and cultural shows.Joint Director Information Mr. Nagendra Singh Jamwal in his welcome address gave a brief resume of various activities of the department. He said despite constrains, the functionaries of the department are doing their best at different levels of operations in disseminating information regarding programs and policies of the government and highlighting culture and art of the State.Later, the Minister and Deputy Commissioner also distributed mementos among the participants in the cultural show.