Ratia, August 16: The 80th Independence Day celebrations for the Ratia sub-division were held with great enthusiasm and fervor at the Grain Market shed in Ratia. MLA Sardar Jarnail Singh attended the event as the chief guest; he hoisted the flag accompanied by the national song and national tune, took the salute at the parade, and conveyed his greetings and message to the residents of the area.
The ceremony was presided over by SDM Surinder Singh.
Prior to this, he paid floral tributes to the martyrs at the memorials of Shaheed Udham Singh, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, and Shaheed Davinder Singh. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Jarnail Singh extended his best wishes to the residents for the 80th Independence Day and noted that this year, the auspicious festival of Haryali Teej is also being celebrated alongside Independence Day. He offered his heartfelt greetings for Haryali Teej to all the mothers, sisters, and daughters of the state. MLA Jarnail Singh stated that on this sacred occasion, he respectfully bows to the known and unknown freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed everything for India's independence. We attained freedom through the sacrifices and selflessness of these fighters; their dedication, penance, and inspiring leadership ultimately liberated the country from British rule in 1947. Today, he said, he especially salutes the brave soldiers guarding the nation's borders, who remain ever-ready to uphold the honor, dignity, and glory of the Tricolour, even in adverse conditions. The MLA added that under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is advancing rapidly towards self-reliance, innovation, and economic growth.
India is continuously strengthening its position among the world's major economies and is moving swiftly towards the goal of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). Recently, on July 17, 2026, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the country's first hydrogen train running between Jind and Sonipat from the Jind railway station in Haryana. Developed using indigenous technology, this train represents a significant step towards India's growing technological prowess and clean, sustainable transportation. Addressing the gathering, he mentioned that the government led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini is providing financial assistance of up to ?71,000 under the 'Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana' to support the marriages of daughters from poor families. The 'Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana' has also been launched for underprivileged families.
Haryana is the first state in the country to establish a system for procuring 24 crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). These include wheat, mustard, sunflower, lentil, paddy, sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), sugarcane, cotton, and gram (chana), among others.
MLA Jarnail Singh stated that the participation of youth in building a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), alongside the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram', is a matter of pride for us. 'Vande Mataram' is not merely a song but an immortal symbol of India's spirit of freedom and patriotism.
Haryana has also carved a distinct niche for itself in the realm of sports, both nationally and globally.
In the recently concluded Glasgow Commonwealth Games, the Indian contingent delivered an outstanding performance, winning a total of 39 medals—comprising 13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze. Athletes from Haryana made a significant contribution to this success, winning 10 medals, including 7 gold medals. The state's daughters further enhanced Haryana's pride by winning five gold medals. During the Independence Day celebrations, the MLA honored teams participating in cultural programs, freedom fighters, families of martyrs, social and religious organizations, Sarpanchs, BLOs, and individuals who had excelled in their respective fields.
SDM Surendra Singh graced the sub-divisional level ceremony with his presence.
On this occasion, D.S. Also present were P. Kulwant Singh, Naib Tehsildar Balwan Singh, Station In-charge Ashok Kumar, SHO Shishpal Singh, Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Bharat Singh, Municipal Council Secretary Shubham Kumar, BDPO Anil Kumar, Municipal Council President Preeti Khanna, Vice Chairman Kulwant Saini, Praveen Jagga, Sunil Indora, Sukhvinder Singh Goyal, and Deputy Chairman Jogindra Nanda. Writers Dr. Naib Singh Mander, Darshan Singh Gill, Sukhpal Singh, Balvinder Singh Khokhar, Darshan Kumar Pradhan, Satpal Jindal, BEO Shashi Prakash, BL Batra, Raju Lali, and Gagandeep Saini played key roles in conducting the proceedings. Other officials, representatives of religious and social organizations, councilors, and prominent citizens were also in attendance.