Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria Hoists National Flag in Fazilka on 77th Republic Day
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria unfurled the national flag in Fazilka on Monday, marking India's 77th Republic Day. Extending warm wishes to all citizens, with special greetings to the residents of Punjab, he paid a heartfelt tribute to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the chief architect of India's Constitution, who established the nation as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic.
Governor's Address at State-Level Republic Day Function
While addressing the state-level Republic Day function, Governor Kataria bowed to the land of Gurus, saints, and warriors, and paid homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters who made immense sacrifices for the nation. He recalled the tireless efforts and invaluable contributions of these freedom fighters to India's unity and the framing of the Constitution.
Fazilka's Historical and Cultural Significance Highlighted
Choosing Fazilka for the ceremonial honour, Governor Kataria expressed that he felt deeply privileged and emotional. He highlighted Fazilka's enduring role as a sentinel of national security, a land that has witnessed countless tales of courage and patriotism throughout history.
He noted Fazilka's illustrious past as the largest wool trade centre of undivided Punjab and its current renown for agricultural produce like wheat, paddy, cotton, and kinnow, as well as the famed ‘Tosha' sweets. Governor Kataria celebrated Fazilka as the birthplace of the Punjabi dance form ‘Jhumar' by Baba Pokhar Singh, and as the home district of luminaries such as Indian men's cricket team captain Shubman Gill and ace shooter Arjun Babuta.
Recognition of Punjab's Padma Awardees
In his address, Governor Kataria congratulated five individuals from Punjab who were recently honoured with Padma awards. These include legendary actor Dharmendra, who received the Padma Vibhushan, Sant Niranjan Das, awarded the Padma Shri, and Indian women's cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur, also a Padma Shri recipient.
Visit to War Memorial at Asafwala
In a solemn act of remembrance, Governor Kataria visited the War Memorial at Asafwala on Tuesday morning. This hallowed ground stands as a permanent testament to unparalleled courage, raised in eternal memory of 232 brave hearts whose supreme sacrifice during the 1971 India-Pakistan War secured a historic victory for India.
