Chandigarh Administration today celebrated the 78th Independence Day with full patriotic fervor at Parade Ground, Sector-17, Chandigarh. The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria was the chief guest o 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, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria 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.

Remebrering the great revolutionaries like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Shaheed Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha and Diwan Singh Kalepani, who shed every drop of their blood for the freedom of the country and suffered in jails, Sh. Kataria said that Punjabis have made a unique contribution for the freedom of the country which is not seen anywhere else in the history of the world. He said that this Amrit Kaal is the time for all of us to do something for Maa Bharti and fulfil the dreams and resolutions of 140 crore countrymen.

The Governor Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh appealed to all citizens to abide by fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution and help make India a Vishwa Guru on the completion of 100 years of independence. He mentioned some of the recent major achievements of India including the successful G-20 Summit held in our country's capital under India's Presidency, the historic consecration of the statue of Lord Shri Ram in the grand new temple built at his birthplace in Ayodhya, the historic Women's Reservation Bill being passed in the Parliament, Chandrayaan-3 mission and Paris Olympic 2024 medals.

Highlighting the key achievements of Chandigarh Administration, Sh. Kataria said that Chandigarh, has positioned itself as a leading example of how thoughtful planning and innovation can drive urban success.

Sh. Kataria called upon the people of Punjab and Chandigarh, elected representatives of the people, civil and police officers, ex-servicemen, youth, doctors, educationists, intellectuals, NGOs, voluntary organizations and media to make their valuable contribution in the campaign against drugs, public campaign for green and clean environment as well as in the initiatives like green energy, solar energy, tree plantation, Government of India's scheme 'Ek Tree Maa Ke Naam', Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Make in India, women empowerment and Viksit India. He wished that the people of Punjab and Chandigarh continue to work hard collectively keeping the interests of our country paramount.

The Administrator awarded commendation certificates to 25 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. 2 Chandigarh Police inspectors were awarded with the President Police Medal.

The Punjab Police Platoon-1 received the overall best turn award in the parade. The first prize in the category of Military forces/ Police contingent went to Punjab Police Platoon-1, second position was bagged by CRPF Platoon and Chandigarh Police Platoon-2 came third. In the category of Home Guard/ Fire Brigade/ Civil Defence, the first prize was bagged by Chandigarh Fire Services, second position was bagged by Chandigarh Home Guard and Chandigarh Civil Defence came third. In NCC contingents, Naval wing bagged the first position, Air Wing came second and Chandigarh Girls Battalion came third. In Residential Welfare Association (RWAs) Cateogory, United Association -44 bagged the first prize, RWA Marla Houses -33 bagged the second prize while Welfare Committee -27 and Neighbour Brotherhood Welfare Association shared the third prize. In Market Welfare Association (MWAs) Category, Shopkeepers Association Kiran Cinema Block- 22 bagged the first position, MWA-49 stood second and MWA-24 got third position.

In the category of Road Safety/ Platoon Scouts/ Guides/ NSS, the first prize was bagged by Road Safety, second position was bagged by NSS PGGC-11 and Ambulance Brigade came third. In School Children category, SGHP School - 40 bagged the first position, GMHS- 32 came second and Shivalik Public School- 41 came third. In School Band category, Moti Ram Arya School bagged the first position and Sacred Heart School came second. In Cultural Programme category, GRIID-31 bagged the first position and Government College of Yoga- 23 came second.

The Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, announced a Holiday for tomorrow 16th August in all schools in Chandigarh, Government, Government-Aided and Private.

Sh. Rajeev Verma, Adviser to Administrator, Sh. Surendra Singh Yadav, DGP Chandigarh and other senior officials of Chandigarh Administration and Police were present during the function.