Yamunanagar MLA pays tribute to freedom fighters and soldiers; highlights welfare schemes, youth employment, women empowerment and the fight against drugs

YAMUNANAGAR / PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Yamunanagar MLA Ghanshyam Das Arora hoisted the national flag at the sub-divisional Independence Day Event held at the New Grain Market in Radaur and inspected the parade before taking the salute of the marching contingents. Before the main Event, the MLA visited the Shaheedi Smarak and paid tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Arora extended his greetings to the people of Haryana and said the national festival was an opportunity to remember the sacrifices behind India’s freedom while reaffirming the country’s commitment to unity, democracy and national development.

He also extended greetings on Hariyali Teej, which was celebrated alongside Independence Day this year. He said both occasions provided an opportunity to celebrate India’s cultural traditions while remembering the responsibilities that come with freedom.

Arora paid homage to known and unknown freedom fighters who made the supreme sacrifice for India’s independence. He said the sacrifices of these patriots had enabled the country to live in freedom and that the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity embedded in the Constitution had strengthened India’s democratic foundation over the decades.

He also remembered soldiers who had sacrificed their lives while protecting India’s unity, integrity and sovereignty. He said the courage and dedication of the armed forces remained a source of inspiration for every citizen.

Focus on families of martyrs and national development:

The MLA said the government had continued to give priority to the welfare and dignity of the families of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. According to him, eligible dependants of personnel who died while serving the nation were being considered for government employment on compassionate grounds, and around 450 dependants had been provided government jobs over the past nearly 12 years.

Arora said India was emerging as a major global economy while simultaneously preserving its cultural heritage and strengthening its strategic capabilities. He attributed the country’s progress in self-reliance, innovation and economic development to the policies being pursued under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

He said the goal of development should not be restricted to economic growth figures but should ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person in society.

According to the MLA, the broader vision of a developed India and developed Haryana required higher investment, new industries, employment opportunities for young people, stronger farm incomes and modern infrastructure across the state.

He said efforts had also been made to simplify the business environment by making several processes relating to certificates, licences and permissions more transparent and easier to navigate.

Four pillars of development highlighted:

Referring to the Haryana Budget 2026-27, Arora said special emphasis had been placed on industrial revival and employment generation. He said the development agenda focused on four important groups — youth, farmers, women and economically weaker sections.

He said steps were being taken to expand opportunities for people who had remained deprived of their rights and benefits. He also referred to the increase in the income limit for the creamy layer among backward classes from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh.

Highlighting welfare measures, he said financial assistance of up to Rs 71,000 was being provided under the Mukhyamantri Vivah Shagun Yojana for marriages of daughters from poor families.

He also referred to the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana for economically weaker families, saying housing assistance and plots had been provided to eligible beneficiaries.

Health, women empowerment and youth welfare

Arora said eligible families were receiving healthcare support of up to Rs 5 lakh under the Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu scheme.

He highlighted the achievements of Haryana’s women in education, sports, science, administration and other fields and said women should be viewed not merely as beneficiaries of government schemes but as active partners in development.

He referred to the Lado Lakshmi scheme, under which women are being provided Rs 2,100 per month, and said women from poor families were also being provided cooking gas cylinders at Rs 500.

The MLA also expressed concern over drug abuse among young people, describing addiction as a serious threat to youth, families and society. He said awareness initiatives, including Raahgiri and youth marathons, were being used to strengthen the campaign against drugs.

He said the government was also working to improve sports infrastructure, provide better training facilities and encourage talented young athletes.

Arora further said young people were being provided employment on merit and were being encouraged to acquire skills through training programmes. He said public participation was also being incorporated into the policy-making process, including through suggestions from citizens before preparation of important documents such as the state budget.

Students showcase talent at Independence Day Event

The sub-divisional celebration also featured a range of cultural, yoga, karate, dumbbell and patriotic performances by students from different educational institutions.

Sharda Gurukul Kalesra secured first position in the yoga presentation, while Doon Public School Radaur secured second position in karate and Swaraj Public School Radaur secured third position in the dumbbell competition.

In the march past, JMIT Radaur secured first position, Government Jyotiba Phule College Radauri stood second and DAV Public School Radaur secured third position.

The cultural competition saw Indian Public School secure first position, Government Senior Secondary School Chamraudi second and Hari Om Public School Radaur third.

The chief guest presented trophies to the teams securing the top positions and appreciated all the students and participants for their disciplined performances and enthusiastic participation.

The presentations added a strong patriotic dimension to the ceremony, with students using cultural performances and physical displays to convey messages of national pride, unity and social responsibility.

The participation of schools, administrative departments and local residents also reflected the community character of the sub-divisional celebration.

Officials and residents attend ceremony

The event was attended by SDM Narendra Kumar, DSP Sunil Kumar, Tehsildar Ashok Kumar, Naib Tehsildar Anil Kumar, Block Education Officer Shiv Kumar Dhiman, Food and Supplies Department Sub-Inspector Vikram, CDPO Tarvinder Kaur, Agriculture Department SDO Ajay Narwal, Market Committee representative Sandeep Kumar Kamboj, SMO Dr Vijay Parmar, Public Health SDO Ravi Nayak, Panchayati Raj SDO Joginder, Dharam Singh Banchal, Paramjit Singh Pammi, Rishi Pal Saini, Sukhwinder Cheema, Mansingh Arya, SHO Rajesh Kumar, Electricity Department SDO Deepanshu Dhiman, Municipal Secretary Surender Malik, Professor Rakesh Panchal, Pawan Kumar, Happy Kheri, Harpal Marupur and other dignitaries.

Officials from various departments, representatives of local institutions, school students and residents of the Radaur block also participated in the programme.

The ceremony concluded with a collective message of patriotism and national responsibility. The celebrations not only marked India’s Independence Day but also brought together themes of welfare, education, employment, women’s participation, sports and social responsibility.

Arora urged citizens, particularly young people, to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of freedom fighters and soldiers and contribute positively to the country’s development. He said the spirit of Independence Day should extend beyond ceremonial celebrations and inspire citizens to strengthen national unity, social harmony and responsible citizenship.

POD/DESK