Addressing State-Level Independence Day Ceremony in Jagadhri, Governor highlights economic growth, agriculture, education, healthcare, sports and infrastructure; honours war widows and flags off Red Cross ambulance

YAMUNANAGAR / PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Haryana Governor Prof. Asim Kumar Ghosh said India has undertaken an inspiring journey of development since Independence and is now counted among the world’s major economies. He said the country is moving rapidly towards the goal of becoming a developed nation while strengthening its capabilities across economic, technological, social and strategic sectors.

The Governor was addressing the people of Haryana as the chief guest at the state-level Independence Day ceremony held at the New Grain Market in Jagadhri, Yamunanagar, after unfurling the national flag. He also inspected the parade and extended his greetings and best wishes to the people on the national occasion. Before attending the main ceremony, Prof. Ghosh visited the Shaheedi Smarak and paid a solemn tribute to the martyrs. Lady Governor Mrs Mitra Ghosh was also present.

Paying homage to the freedom fighters, the Governor said the sacrifices, struggles and dedication of countless patriots had enabled Indians to live in a free country. He remembered prominent figures associated with India’s freedom struggle and nation-building, including Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Jawaharlal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sardar Udham Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Khudiram Bose and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

He also highlighted Haryana’s contribution to the freedom struggle, particularly recalling Rao Tula Ram of Rewari, who fought against the British during the uprising of 1857.

India making progress in technology and self-reliance:

Prof. Ghosh said India had achieved significant progress through initiatives and developments in areas such as Digital India, Start-up India, Make in India, digital payment systems and self-reliance.

He said Haryana’s farmers were also contributing significantly to agricultural growth by adopting modern technology and improved farming practices. Government initiatives such as PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Meri Fasal Mera Byora, Mukhyamantri Bagwani Bima Yojana and the Kisan Credit Card campaign were helping strengthen the agricultural sector and improve support available to farmers.

The Governor also highlighted the state’s progress in education. He said Haryana was continuously achieving new milestones in the sector and noted that the education budget for 2026-27 had been increased by nearly 10 per cent.

Healthcare and welfare schemes highlighted

Prof. Ghosh said the Haryana government was committed to making healthcare services accessible to citizens. He referred to initiatives including Chirayu-Ayushman Haryana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Programme and Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, saying these programmes had expanded the reach of healthcare services.

He further said that on August 10, funds amounting to Rs 1,595 crore had been transferred through direct benefit transfer to the bank accounts of around 50 lakh beneficiaries under schemes including Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, social security pensions, Dayalu, Har Ghar-Har Grihini and Harit Khad Yojana.

Haryana’s sporting talent praised:

The Governor said Haryana, despite accounting for around 2.2 per cent of India’s population, has consistently produced a significant number of medal winners for the country at the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

He said Haryana athletes had won seven gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, reflecting the state’s growing sporting ecosystem.

According to the Governor, cash incentives for medal winners, employment opportunities in government services, sports nurseries, the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana, Bhim Award and the state’s comprehensive sports policy were encouraging young athletes to pursue excellence.

Hydrogen train and infrastructure projects:

Prof. Ghosh described the commencement of India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Haryana as a significant milestone. He said the initiative represented a step towards environmentally friendly transportation and could give India a new identity in the field of clean mobility.

He also highlighted the recent launch and foundation-laying of development projects worth approximately Rs 14,700 crore in Haryana. According to him, these projects would give further momentum to roads, healthcare facilities and other infrastructure.

The Governor said the state government was also strengthening the use of modern technology to make the law-and-order system more effective and responsive.

Yamunanagar’s industrial contribution acknowledged:

Speaking in the district known for its industrial base, Prof. Ghosh said Yamunanagar has earned recognition across the country for industries including plywood, paper, stainless steel utensils and sugar.

He said these industries make an important contribution to Haryana’s economy and provide employment and economic opportunities to a large section of the population.

Looking towards the future, the Governor said India’s objective should be to build a developed, prosperous, self-reliant and inclusive nation by 2047, when the country will mark the centenary of Independence.

Police, NCC and students participate in parade:

The Independence Day ceremony featured an impressive march past and colourful cultural presentations.

In the march past, the men’s contingent of the Haryana Police Academy secured first position, the girls’ contingent of the Haryana NCC Battalion stood second, while the men’s contingent of Uttarakhand Police secured third position.

The cultural programme also witnessed enthusiastic participation from educational institutions. New Happy Public School secured first position in the Haryanvi dance category. Mukund Public School stood second for its rhythmic yoga presentation, while MLN College secured third position with its Giddha performance.

The presentations added colour and patriotic spirit to the state-level ceremony, with students showcasing discipline, cultural traditions and artistic talent.

War widows honoured, Red Cross ambulance flagged off:

During the ceremony, Governor Prof. Asim Kumar Ghosh honoured war widows in recognition of the sacrifices made by their families in service to the nation.

He later flagged off a Red Cross ambulance, marking another important moment of the Independence Day programme and reinforcing the message of public service and social responsibility.

The ceremony was attended by Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal, IG Pankaj Nain, District and Sessions Judge Dr Daya Nand Bhardwaj, Deputy Commissioner Preeti, Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mahabir Prasad, former minister Kanwar Pal Gujjar, Chief Minister’s Special Officer for Grievance Redressal Bhopal Singh Khadri, former MLAs Ishwar Singh Palaka and Balwant Singh, Mayor Suman Bahmani, District Council Chairman Ramesh Thaska, BJP district president Rajesh Sapra, Additional Deputy Commissioner Naveen Ahuja, Chairman Bharat Bhushan Juyal, Vipul Garg, Madan Chauhan, Jagadhri SDM Vishwanath, Ram Niwas Garg, Rameshwar, City Magistrate Piyush Gupta, District Revenue Officer Tarun Sahota, District Development and Panchayat Officer Narendra Singh and DIPRO Dr Manoj Kumar.

District Education Officer Prem Lata and officials from various departments, along with senior BJP leaders and other dignitaries, were also present.

The state-level Independence Day ceremony in Jagadhri concluded with a strong message of national pride, development and public responsibility. The Governor called upon citizens to remember the sacrifices that secured India’s freedom and to contribute collectively towards building a developed, self-reliant and inclusive India.

POD/DESK