Saundh unfurls Tricolour at R-Day function in Guru Nanak Stadium

Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Saundh launched the helpline number for Future Tycoon and a rehabilitation centre, a project that helps children and adults to do business in Amritsar, while he was chief guest at the Republic Day function at the Guru Nanak Stadium here on Sunday.

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Holding diverse portfolios, including Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Labour, Hospitality, Industry and Commerce and Rural Development and Panchayat he touched almost all these issues in his speech, which he delivered at the function.

Talking about Amritsar, Saundh said he awarded 100 farmers of the district, who did not burn stubble with the Kisan Hero award, adopted 1,700 TB patients to make the district TB free, and set up girls’ self-help groups.

Projects like starting Mind Spark Labs in schools to strive for and impart education for schoolchildren according to their interests were launched, he said.

While attending the function held to mark the 76th Republic Day, Saundh paid tributes to Indian armed forces, which made supreme sacrifices for the country, while remembering martyrs Shaheed Udham Singh and Bhagat Singh and valuable contribution of freedom fighters and of Dr BR Ambedkar.

Unfurling the Tricolour Saundh said the state government had doubled the ex-gratia amount given to families of martyred soldiers and the police personnel.

He said, “Fulfilling the promise of providing employment to the youth, our government has given 50,000 government jobs during the past 34 months and this process is continuing. Employment, health, education, free electricity and other administrative reforms are the main agenda of our government.”

At least 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, where lakhs of people were getting free of cost treatment every day were started, he said. Besides, 118 schools of eminence were running to impart world-class education to children, he said.

On administrative reforms, he said 43 citizen-centric services were being provided. Instead of visiting government offices, citizens could call on the helpline number 1076 from the comfort of their own homes and get the service at their convenience.

He said the government spent over Rs 73 crore for the maintenance, innovation and modernisation of ancient and historical buildings related to tourism and culture in 2024.

BSF celebrates Republic Day with patriotic fervour

The Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Frontier, displayed enthusiasm and nationalistic fervour during 76th Republic Day celebrations here. Satish S Khandare, ADG, HQ, SDG, WC, Chandigarh, unfurled the National flag at the BSF Headquarters in Khasa on the occasion, in the presence of Dr Atul Fulzele, IG, BSF Punjab, and OP Upadhyay, IG (Ops), WC.

He commended both the BSF and the local population for their active participation in BSF’s anti-drug drives, as well as the unwavering support of the village defence committees (VDCs) in assisting the force to prevent trans-border smuggling.

Speaking on the occasion he highlighted the significant achievements of the Punjab Frontier, which included the seizure of 301 kg of heroin, the recovery of 319 Pakistani drones, 40 weapons, and more than 375 rounds of ammunition. Besides, 101 Indian smugglers and 30 Pakistani intruders were apprehended, while five Pakistani intruders were neutralised during infiltration from Pakistan to the Indian territory from January 1, 2024, to January 26, 2025, he said.

HN. Joshi, Commandant, unfurled the National Flag at the historic Attari Joint Check Post. The ADG also witnessed a friendly cricket match between the teams of Eastern Command and Western Command of the BSF at the Khasa playground in Amritsar. He presented prizes to the teams.

The main function of this momentous day was held at the Attari JCP in the evening. The ceremony featured a series of performances, including a patriotic song by singer Satinder Sartaj, a thrilling dog show, the Gatka performance and cultural and patriotic presentations by school and college students, along with other institutions.

The BSF Mahila BOLDS team and the BSF Mahila band also gave a spectacular performance, infusing the crowd with waves of patriotic fervour. Following this, the ADG unveiled the T-Shirts for the fourth edition of the “Bordermen Marathon-2025”, scheduled for February 23 with the theme “Hand in hand with border population”.