Haryana Governor leads 79th Independence-Day celebrations in Ambala

Haryana Governor Prof Ashim Kumar Ghosh on Friday hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the 79th state-level Independence Day celebrations held in Ambala City. Extending warm greetings on the occasion, he conveyed special wishes to the soldiers safeguarding the nation’s borders round the clock.

Earlier, the Governor paid floral tributes at the Shaheed Smarak, bowing in respect to the martyrs. He also honoured war widows, family members of freedom fighters, and eminent persons who participated in the Emergency and Hindi Andolan. His wife, Smt. Mitra Ghosh, was also present on the occasion.

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Prof Ghosh recalled that 79 years ago, in 1947, the dream of every Indian for independence was fulfilled. This day, he said, is an occasion to remember countless martyrs and freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation’s freedom. He paid heartfelt homage to all known and unknown heroes and expressed gratitude to the great freedom fighters.

Commending the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, he said it has once again filled the nation with patriotic fervour, with the tricolour flying high on every home, street, and neighbourhood. He expressed deep appreciation for the nation-builders, border-guarding soldiers, scientists, farmers, and labourers whose skill and dedication have made India a global power.

Recalling Haryana’s historic role in the freedom struggle, he said the 1857 revolt began in Ambala on May 8 that year. In memory of those fighters, a Shaheedi Smarak is being constructed in Ambala at a cost of ₹538 crore.

The Governor lauded Haryana’s soldiers for their distinguished service during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, and the Kargil conflict. “It is our duty to stand with the families of martyrs,” he said, noting that the state government has increased the monthly pension for freedom fighters and their widows to ₹40,000.

Highlighting India’s growing global stature, he said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation’s voice is heard on international platforms. India is not only producing advanced indigenous missiles but also executing ambitious space missions like Suryaayan, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.

Referring to recent defence achievements, Prof. Ghosh noted that the world had witnessed India’s indigenous technological prowess during Operation Sindoor, and praised the army’s Operation Mahadev, which brought justice in the Pahalgam attack case.

Congratulating the people of Haryana, he said the state has transformed into one of India’s most developed, leading in per capita income, industrial output, foreign investment, education, sports, agriculture, and transportation. Haryana is also a top producer of food grains, manufactures every second car in the country, and produces 52 per cent of India’s tractors.

Over the past decade, he said, the state government has dismantled discriminatory systems, ensuring transparency in every scheme through more than 100 portals and mobile apps. He cited corruption-free recruitments, online transfers, educated panchayats, and the Antyodaya campaign as examples discussed nationwide.

He also highlighted major strides in infrastructure, from canals, roads, and rail networks to industrial growth, metro expansion, overbridges, and world-class educational institutions. Haryana, he said, is home to sports persons who bring laurels to India at the Olympics and other global events.

Calling Haryana a welfare state, Prof Ghosh stressed that development benefits are reaching the poorest citizens. The state, he said, has created a business-friendly environment while preserving its cultural heritage, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

He urged all citizens to pledge, on this historic day, to work unitedly for nation-building.