GENERAL RODRIGUES GAVE A CALL TO PEOPLE TO RENEW THEIR RESOLVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE TASK OF BUILDING UP THE NEW INDIA

PATIALA, JANUARY 26: The Punjab Governor, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, gave a clarion call to the people of Punjab to renew their resolve to contribute to the task of building up the New India and take a leadership role in making Punjab the front runner State in the Country. India has achieved a unique position in different fields of endeavour in the comity of nations and the people of Punjab have made a significant contribution in this endeavour. We have to further develop partnership in every field of activity and move ahead with faith and confidence to fulfill the dreams of the stalwarts of our freedom struggle.

Addressing a largely attended impressive function of the State Level Republic Day Celebrations, after unfluring the National Flag and taking a salute at an impressive march past at YPS Stadium in this historic town, here today, General Rodrigues said that innumerable known and unknown martyrs struggled hard and made supreme sacrifices for the attainment of freedom for us. He said that many Jawans of our Army, police and para-military forces also laid down their lives for protecting the unity & integrity of our Country in different operations after independence. The real tribute to these valiant patriots would be to realize their dreams of making the nation strong and vibrant.

General Rodrigues said that there is complete peace and tranquility in the State and hoped that the Punjabis will continue to play a pivotal role in national reconstruction work and furthering the process of social change through their commitment and dedicated endeavours. He said that the Punjab Government has put education and employment in its priority agenda. Our sincere effort is to create employment opportunities for our youth in our own State so that they do not get harassment in other countries and live with dignity and pride in our own land.

Expressing serious concern over the various societal problems like Child abuse, drug addiction, female foeticide and dowry, General Rodrigues said that we have to collectively make committed endeavour for their eradication and bring out social change in our society. He said that special focus is required on giving further fillip to healthcare services, provision of potable drinking water and other basic civic amenities in rural and urban areas. He said that there is also a need of further stepping up our programmes for raising productivity level in agriculture, industry and other fields of growth and economy. He emphasized the need of more concerted efforts for the uplift of poor and disadvantaged. Special emphasis must be laid for the welfare of children, women and senior citizens.

The Governor inspected the parade and took the salute at the impressive march past led by Parade Commdr. Shri Harsh Bansal, IPS. The contingents of PAP, Punjab Police, ITBP, GRP, Central Jail, Punjab Home Guards, 5th Punjab Battalion NCC (Sr. Div), 3rd Punjab Air Squardon (Sr. Div.), 4th Punjab Girls' Battalion, Red Cross (Punjabi University), Girl Guides, Band Punjab Armed Police (Brass & Pipes) and Commando Training Center, Bahadurgarh. The Tent pegging by the jawans of Punjab Police and young riders of PPS Nabha, motor-cycle display, giddha and cultural programme by the school children with patriot songs were the other attractions of the celebrations. Participation of tableaux showing various developmental activities was another distinctive feature in the celebration. The organizations which displayed their tableaux included Sarbh Sikhia Abhiyan, Agriculture Department, Rural Development Agency, Health Department, Indian Medical Association, Horticulture Department, Forest Department, Verka Milk Plant, Animal Husbandry Department, Sports Departemnt, Fisheries Departemnt, MARKEFED, State bank of Patiala, PEDA.

Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, wife of Punjab Governor presented sweets to the children who participated in the colourful cultural programme.

The Punjab Chief Secretary, Mr. Ramesh Inder Singh, DGP, Punjab, Mr. NPS Aulakh, senior civil and police officers of Patiala Division and District Headquarter, Mayor and Councillors and local leaders from different political parties attended the function.