GENERAL RODRIGUES GAVE A CALL TO PEOPLE TO RENEW THEIR RESOLVE
TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE TASK OF BUILDING UP THE NEW INDIA
PATIALA, JANUARY 26: The Punjab Governor, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues,
PVSM VSM, gave a clarion call to the people of Punjab to renew
their resolve to contribute to the task of building up the New
India and take a leadership role in making Punjab the front runner
State in the Country. India has achieved a unique position in
different fields of endeavour in the comity of nations and the
people of Punjab have made a significant contribution in this
endeavour. We have to further develop partnership in every field
of activity and move ahead with faith and confidence to fulfill
the dreams of the stalwarts of our freedom struggle.
Addressing a largely attended impressive function of the State
Level Republic Day Celebrations, after unfluring the National
Flag and taking a salute at an impressive march past at YPS Stadium
in this historic town, here today, General Rodrigues said that
innumerable known and unknown martyrs struggled hard and made
supreme sacrifices for the attainment of freedom for us. He said
that many Jawans of our Army, police and para-military forces
also laid down their lives for protecting the unity & integrity
of our Country in different operations after independence. The
real tribute to these valiant patriots would be to realize their
dreams of making the nation strong and vibrant.
General Rodrigues said that there is complete peace and tranquility
in the State and hoped that the Punjabis will continue to play
a pivotal role in national reconstruction work and furthering
the process of social change through their commitment and dedicated
endeavours. He said that the Punjab Government has put education
and employment in its priority agenda. Our sincere effort is to
create employment opportunities for our youth in our own State
so that they do not get harassment in other countries and live
with dignity and pride in our own land.
Expressing serious concern over the various societal problems
like Child abuse, drug addiction, female foeticide and dowry,
General Rodrigues said that we have to collectively make committed
endeavour for their eradication and bring out social change in
our society. He said that special focus is required on giving
further fillip to healthcare services, provision of potable drinking
water and other basic civic amenities in rural and urban areas.
He said that there is also a need of further stepping up our programmes
for raising productivity level in agriculture, industry and other
fields of growth and economy. He emphasized the need of more concerted
efforts for the uplift of poor and disadvantaged. Special emphasis
must be laid for the welfare of children, women and senior citizens.
The Governor inspected the parade and took the salute at the
impressive march past led by Parade Commdr. Shri Harsh Bansal,
IPS. The contingents of PAP, Punjab Police, ITBP, GRP, Central
Jail, Punjab Home Guards, 5th Punjab Battalion NCC (Sr. Div),
3rd Punjab Air Squardon (Sr. Div.), 4th Punjab Girls' Battalion,
Red Cross (Punjabi University), Girl Guides, Band Punjab Armed
Police (Brass & Pipes) and Commando Training Center, Bahadurgarh.
The Tent pegging by the jawans of Punjab Police and young riders
of PPS Nabha, motor-cycle display, giddha and cultural programme
by the school children with patriot songs were the other attractions
of the celebrations. Participation of tableaux showing various
developmental activities was another distinctive feature in the
celebration. The organizations which displayed their tableaux
included Sarbh Sikhia Abhiyan, Agriculture Department, Rural Development
Agency, Health Department, Indian Medical Association, Horticulture
Department, Forest Department, Verka Milk Plant, Animal Husbandry
Department, Sports Departemnt, Fisheries Departemnt, MARKEFED,
State bank of Patiala, PEDA.
Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, wife of Punjab Governor presented sweets
to the children who participated in the colourful cultural programme.
The Punjab Chief Secretary, Mr. Ramesh Inder Singh, DGP, Punjab,
Mr. NPS Aulakh, senior civil and police officers of Patiala Division
and District Headquarter, Mayor and Councillors and local leaders
from different political parties attended the function.