Patiala, January 27 - Governor of Punjab Mr. Banwari Lal Purohit unfurled the national tricolor at Patiala on the occasion of the state level function of the Republic Day. On this occasion, he saluted the martyrs and great freedom fighters who contributed to the freedom struggle of the country and invited the Punjabis to support the state government by mobilizing against drugs and corruption. Mr. Purohit reviewed the grand parade after unfurling the National Tricolor at Raja Bhalindra Singh Sports Stadium, Polo Ground here and later took salute from the march past. On this occasion, in his message to the residents of the state, the Governor of Punjab extended his hearty congratulations on the Republic Day and termed this day as a day to celebrate and honor our nation and our sovereignty. Punjab Chief Secretary Mr. Anurag Verma, DGP Mr. Gaurav Yadav, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni and SSP Varun Sharma were also present with him on this occasion. Mr. Purohit mentioned the great patriotic warriors and said that due to the huge sacrifices of millions of freedom fighters, we got freedom and this republic was built. The Governor invited the Punjabis to cooperate with the government for the eradication of corruption, just as they contributed to the liberation of the country. He said that the scourge of corruption is hollowing out our society.
Mentioning the many challenges facing Punjab including drugs from across the border, he invited the Punjabis to mobilize to save our youth from drugs and support the state government in the war against drugs. The Governor said that he is convinced of the success of Punjabis, because once Punjabis decide to do something, they die after completing it.
He invited the residents of the state to contribute to the progress, development and progress of Punjab. Specially praising the city of Patiala, the Governor mentioned the words of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel at the time of the formation of PEPSU, including the fact that it has remained a part of the country since its independence, that 'If he gets a chance to be born again, he should be born here. Chahunhage', also mentioned specially. He also praised the efforts made by the district administration to protect the lives and property of the people and the courage shown by the people during the last year's floods by saying 'City listens to Patiala'. He also stressed on every citizen to contribute and follow moral values for the progress of the country. On this occasion, the Governor specially honored the brave women of the war martyrs along with the families and representatives of Freedom Fighters Succession Association 234 and 196 including freedom fighter S. Avtar Singh. He also felicitated eminent personalities in various fields including eminent colorist Mr. Pran Sabharwal who was honored with "Padma Shri" award.
On the occasion of the ceremony, MP Praneet Kaur, MLA Ajitpal Singh Kohli, Gurdev Singh Dev Mann and Guralal Ghanour along with Special DGP Arpit Shukla, Divisional Commissioner Daljit Singh Mangat, Director Information and Public Relations Bhupinder Singh, District and Sessions Judge Rupinderjit Chahal, District Planning Committee Chairman Jassi Sohianwala, Improvement Trust Chairman Megh Chand Shermajra, Preeti Malhotra, Harjshan Singh Pathanmajra, Vice Chancellor Prof Arvind and JS Cheema, "Padma Shri" Jagjit Singh Dardi and Dr RL Mittal, Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni, SSP Varun Sharma, ADCs Anuprita Johal, Navreet Kaur Sekhon, SDM Dr Ismat Vijay Singh, Jeevanjot Kaur, Deepjot Kaur, Kannu Garg, Naman Markan, Babandeep Singh Walia and a large number of other personalities, Patiala residents, teachers and students were present.