Sadhoura MLA pays tribute to freedom fighters and soldiers; calls for a drug-free Haryana, greater participation of women and continued support for sports and youth

YAMUNANAGAR / PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Sadhoura MLA Renu Bala hoisted the national flag at the sub-divisional Independence Day Event held at the New Grain Market in Vyaspur and inspected the parade before taking the salute of the marching contingents. The ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation by students, officials, public representatives and residents, with patriotic performances and cultural presentations adding colour to the national celebration.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Renu Bala extended her greetings to the people of Haryana and said the national festival was an opportunity to remember the sacrifices that had secured India’s freedom and to reaffirm the country’s commitment to democracy, unity and constitutional values.

She also extended her greetings to women and girls on Hariyali Teej, which coincided with Independence Day this year. Describing the festival as a celebration connected with nature, culture and women’s strength, she said such occasions reflected India’s rich social and cultural traditions.

Renu Bala paid homage to known and unknown freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. Remembering Mahatma Gandhi and countless other leaders and freedom fighters, she said their sacrifice, perseverance and leadership ultimately brought an end to British rule in 1947.

She said India’s democratic journey over the decades had been strengthened by the faith of more than 140 crore citizens in unity in diversity, democratic values and the Constitution. The values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity envisioned by the makers of the Constitution, she said, continue to form the foundation of the country’s democratic system.

The MLA also paid tribute to soldiers guarding India’s borders. She said the armed forces continue to protect the country’s sovereignty and uphold the honour of the Tricolour even under difficult circumstances. She remembered those soldiers who had laid down their lives while protecting India’s unity, integrity and sovereignty.

“Whenever the country’s identity and security have faced a challenge, our soldiers have demonstrated courage and determination,” she said, adding that the sacrifices of the armed forces should remain an inspiration for every citizen.

Women to play a larger role in development:

Highlighting the contribution of women and girls to Haryana’s progress, Renu Bala said women from the state had established themselves in education, sports, science, administration and several other fields.

She said the government’s objective should be to ensure that women are not merely beneficiaries of welfare programmes but become active participants in the state’s development process. Referring to the Lado Lakshmi scheme, she said women are being provided Rs 2,100 per month and that the government plans to provide greater participation opportunities by expanding the income eligibility criteria in the future.

She also highlighted the provision of cooking gas cylinders at Rs 500 for women from poor families.

The MLA said the energy, talent and aspirations of young people would be among the biggest strengths in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047. She also referred to the completion of 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram, describing it as a symbol of India’s freedom consciousness and patriotic spirit.

Call for a drug-free youth:

Renu Bala expressed concern over drug abuse and described it as one of the major challenges facing young people, families and society.

She referred to the nationwide “Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan” and said the campaign had received participation from young people at thousands of locations across the country.

She said Haryana had also made significant contributions to the campaign. At a state-level programme held at Kurukshetra University, more than 3,200 students, teachers and young people participated in the pledge for a drug-free India.

According to her, the programme at Kurukshetra University was recorded as the highest-participation state-level event among educational institutions in the relevant My Bharat data.

She said the Haryana government would continue awareness campaigns against drug abuse by involving young people, educational institutions, social organisations and different sections of society. Programmes such as Raahgiri and youth marathons, she added, were also being used to spread awareness against addiction.

“Our resolve should be clear — drug-free youth, healthy families and a developed Haryana,” she said, urging citizens to contribute to the campaign.

Haryana’s sporting achievements highlighted:

The MLA also highlighted Haryana’s contribution to Indian sports and said the state’s athletes had earned recognition nationally and internationally through hard work, discipline and talent.

She said the government was focusing on strengthening sports infrastructure, improving training facilities and encouraging talented young athletes.

Referring to the recently concluded Glasgow Commonwealth Games, she said the Indian contingent won 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. Haryana athletes, she said, contributed 10 medals, including seven gold medals, while women athletes from the state won five gold medals.

She said these achievements reflected the growing participation and potential of Haryana’s youth, particularly its daughters.

Families of martyrs honoured:

During the ceremony, the chief guest paid tribute to the families of soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the country as well as the families of freedom fighters. She also honoured the family of martyr Rocky, including his father Preet Pal of Ramgarh Majra.

The recognition was presented as a tribute to the sacrifices made by families who have contributed to the country’s security and freedom.

The celebrations also featured a series of cultural and patriotic presentations by students from educational institutions across the sub-division.

Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School, Vyaspur, presented the welcome song and PT/dumbbell display, while Om Yoga Centre, Vyaspur, presented a yoga performance. S.V. International School, Rasulpur, presented a patriotic dance, while New Happy Public School, Vyaspur, presented a performance based on patriotism.

Ganpati Convent School, Vyaspur, showcased a Rajasthani dance, and Swami Vivekanand Senior Secondary School, Sandhay, presented a patriotic programme. Saraswati Senior Secondary School, Vyaspur, presented a performance based on Indian women’s cricket.

Dasmesh Senior Secondary School, Kapal Mochan, presented a Bhangra performance, while M.R. International School, Vyaspur, presented a Haryanvi dance. Nav Gyan Jyoti School, Vyaspur, presented a Giddha performance. The team from Gurjar Kanya Vidyalaya, Devdhar, also presented a band performance.

Renu Bala honoured the participating teams with mementoes and also recognised employees for outstanding work.

Students and police personnel participate in parade:

Several teams participated in the march past, including Haryana Police Force, Vyaspur; DAV Senior Secondary School, Kapal Mochan; Dasmesh Senior Secondary School, Kapal Mochan; Ganpati Convent School, Vyaspur; M.R. International School, Vyaspur; Janki Ji Global Public School, Marwa Kalan; Saraswati Senior Secondary School, Vyaspur; and Nav Gyan Jyoti Senior Secondary School, Vyaspur.

All participating march-past teams were honoured by the chief guest.

The programme was conducted by teachers Khem Lal and Kamaljeet Saini. The ceremony was presided over by Vyaspur SDM Dr Kuldeep Singh, who praised the performances and arrangements made for the sub-divisional-level celebration.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Kuldeep Singh said the country’s freedom was achieved through the sacrifice, struggle and courage of countless freedom fighters. He called upon citizens to remember their contribution and continue working towards national unity, integrity and progress.

The ceremony brought together administrative officials, elected representatives, police personnel, teachers, students, social workers and local residents, creating an atmosphere of patriotism and public participation.

Among those present were SDM Vyaspur Dr Kuldeep Singh, DSP Ramesh Kumar, Sadhoura Municipal Committee Chairperson Shalini Sharma, Rishi Pal Engineer, BDPO Shabnam Rahlan, Naib Tehsildar Ravinder Kumar, Sadhoura Naib Tehsildar Kuldeep Singh, BEO Vyaspur Naresh Pal, BEO Sadhoura Dharam Singh Rathi, Vyaspur SHO Vinod Kumar, Market Committee Chairman Vipin Singla, Puneet Bindal, Vyaspur Mandi president Sandeep, Surendra Bankat, Sarpanch Organisation president Thath Singh, Gurvinder Chaudhary, Vyaspur Sarpanch Kirti Rani, BJP Mandal President Naresh Saini, Madan Singh Saini, Mandal General Secretary Sanjeev Milkra, social worker and Sarpanch representative Pankush Khurana, former chairman Ayub, Government Model Sanskriti Senior Secondary School Principal Ajay Dhiman, Rajiv Grover, Naveen and officials from various departments.

The Independence Day celebration concluded with a message of patriotism, social responsibility and national unity, with the chief guest urging citizens, particularly young people, to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of freedom fighters and soldiers and contribute positively to the country’s future.

POD/DESK