Admn, institutions celebrate Independence Day

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, August 16

Independence Day was celebrated with great fanfare at the Multipurpose Stadium, Bathinda. The chief guest at the event, State Minister for PWD Razia Sultana, hoisted the Tricolor. Speaking at the event, the minister saluted the heroes of the nation and said on the 71st Independence Day, all of us should take a vow to ensure the development of our country. Principal Secretary Hussan Lal was also present at the event.

The minister said under Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, the Punjab government has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards drugs. Under this, not only have drug peddlers been arrested, albeit noose has also been tightened around those in the trade of habit-forming drugs. She added that in its war against the corruption, the state government has taken many new decisions such as e-auction of mines. Similarly, the Punjab government has strengthened the institution of Lokpal by bringing in a new law that enables the Lokpal to take action in complaints made against the chief minister, ministers and government officers.

Razia Sultana added that administrative reforms have been introduced on a large scale in the state under which the beneficiaries of various schemes get money directly under schemes in their bank accounts. Besides, the government has done away with the red beacon culture and spruced up the security cover of VVIPs and VIPs, rationalising it as per the threat to a person.

The minister earlier inspected the parade and took salute at the march past. During the inspection of the parade, the minister was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Diprava Lakra and Senior Superintendent of Police Naveen Singla.

The march past was led by Davinder Singh. Three contingents of the Punjab Police, led by Vikramjit Singh, Gurpreet Kaur and Seema, took part in the parade. Gurdeep Singh led the Punjab Home Guards contingent. The NCC contingent was led by Jaskirat Singh while Sunanda led the girl cadets of the NCC. Similarly, Aafreen led the home nursing contingent, Rahul led the scouts contingent, Kasak led the girls guides, Havildar Vijay Kumar led the Punjab Police band while CHM Sarabjit Singh led the Army band.

School students presented a cultural programme. The Red Cross Society distributed 15 tricycles and 21 sewing machines to the needy.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh University

Saluting the nation and its freedom fighters on the eve of the 71st Independence Day, Giani Zail Singh Campus College of Engineering & Technology, Bathinda, marked the occasion by holding a function. The programme was organised under the auspices and patronage of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Bathinda. The chief guest at the event was the campus director, GZSCCET, Bathinda Dr Gursharan Singh. Faculty, staff and students of the institute assembled on the campus and participated in making the programme inspiring and enlightening. The highlights of the ceremony were the flag hoisting followed by a pledge-taking ceremon. The NCC cadets conducted the parade in honour of the national flag. Vice-chancellor Dr MP Singh Isher conveyed his greetings on Independence Day and gave his best wishes for a bright future of the students.

Silver Oaks School

The day was celebrated with great fervour and joy at both the Silver Oaks Schools on Bibi Wala Road and Dabwali Road in the presence of the principals, staff and students. Director, Gyanmantan Educational Services Pvt. Ltd. Barninder Paul Sekhon unfurled the national flag and addressed the students and spoke to them about the importance of the day and how they can pay tribute to the sacrifices of the great heroes. She further added that it’s time to join hands, to cooperate, innovate and advance. The very essence of plurality lies in cherishing our heterogenity and in valuing our diversity. The students put up a cultural programme comprising items like song, dance and a choreography depicting the vibrant colours of patriotism.

Delhi Public School

DPS Bathinda celebrated Independence Day with much fanfare and gaiety. The chief guest on the occasion, Bandana, hoisted the Tricolour and received the parade. The students from DPS hostels presented enthralling performances like dance, humourous skit and songs etc. The performances were organised as well as compered by the students residing in hostels. A patriotic song and dance was also presented by the students of Shiksha Kendra, an afternoon school run by DPS, for the deprived sections of society. Principal Dr Arun Jee appreciated the efforts of hostel students while addressing the gathering. The function concluded with a foot tapping Bhangra by the students.

National Fertilizers Limited

NFL Bathinda organised a programme to celebrate Independence Day during which general manager Sunil Arora was the chief guest. Arora, accompanied by his wife Sumedha Arora, was welcomed by the officers and their families present during the function. After unfurling the national flag, he inspected the parade. Addressing the gathering, he exhorted the gathering to work for the development of the nation and said it would be a true homage to the soldiers and leaders who sacrificed their lives to win freedom for the country.

District Courts Complex

The 71st Independence Day was celebrated at the District Courts Complex, Bathinda. District and Sessions Judge Paramjeet Singh presided over the event. All judicial officers of the District, along with the staff, came for celebrations. The District and Sessions Judge unfurled the Tricolor. He addressed the officers present there and talked about the martyrs who won freedom for the country. He dwelt on how ‘Justice for All’ was expressed in the Constitution and encouraged all to realise the dreams of makers of the Constitution.