CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh Administration celebrated the 77th Independence Day at Parade Ground, Sector-17, Chandigarh. The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, was the chief guest on the occasion.
The Administrator laid wreath at the War Memorial, Bougainvillea Garden, in memory of all members of the armed forces who gave up their life for the country. The celebrations began at the Parade Ground where the Administrator unfurled the National Flag and inspected the Guard of Honour. This was followed by a March Past by various contingents of Police and NCC Cadets participating in the Independence Day Parade.
While addressing the gathering, he extended greetings to all Indians and especially to the residents of Chandigarh and Punjab. He paid respects to the noble sacrifices of the countless Indians who contributed significantly to the liberation of our country and laid down their lives during the freedom struggle. Highlighting the key achievements of Chandigarh Administration, Sh. Banwarilal Purohit said that he hoped that all citizens of the City Beautiful will participate in the programs organized to celebrate the Festival of Freedom in Chandigarh, including ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ and the ‘Amrit Kalash Yatra,’ and reaffirm commitment to the progress of the nation. The Administrator emphasized upon honesty, transparency, and efficiency and urged everyone to follow these principles in all spheres of life. Sh. Purohit said that on the occasion of Independence Day, we also celebrate our 'Indianness' and in Chandigarh, he has always seen a glimpse of Mini-India. The City Beautiful, Chandigarh, exemplifies progress and innovation and has played an important role in shaping our nation's destiny. With visionary plans and unwavering commitment to continuous development, Chandigarh has emerged as an exemplary progressive city.” Sh. Purohit wished that the people of Chandigarh continue to set an example of participation on the path of governance, development, progress, and well-being.
The Administrator awarded commendation certificates to 27 employees of the Chandigarh Administration and general public for rendering outstanding services in the field of Public services, Art and Culture, Social Services and Sports and also conferred Administrator’s Police Medal for Distinguished/Meritorious Services to 22 Chandigarh Police Personnel on the eve of Independence Day, 2023. The Punjab Police- Female received the overall best turn award in the parade. The first prize in the category of Military forces/ Police contingent went to Punjab Police- Male, second position was bagged by Chandigarh Police Female and Chandigarh Police Male came third. In the category of Home Guard/ Fire Brigade/ Civil Defence, the first prize was bagged by Chandigarh Home Guard, second position was bagged by Chandigarh Civil Defence and Chandigarh Fire Services came third. In NCC contingents, NCC Defence bagged the first position, NCC Girls came second and NCC Naval wing came third.
Sh. Dharam Pal, Adviser to Administrator, Sh. Nitin Kumar Yadav, Secretary Home, Sh. Vijay Namdeorao Zade, Finance Secretary, Sh. Vinay Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Praveer Ranjan, DGP Chandigarh and other senior officials of Chandigarh Administration and Police were present during the function.