Minister for New and Renewable Energy Sources, Printing and Stationery Aman Arora unfurled the National Flag at the district-level Republic Day celebrations held at Guru Gobind Singh Stadium on Sunday.

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Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal and Commissioner of Police Swapan Sharma, the minister urged Punjabis to join hands with the government to transform Punjab into a progressive and leading state, embodying the vision of ‘Rangla Punjab’.

Arora highlighted several landmark initiatives, including the renaming of Mohali airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport and the display of portraits of Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Dr BR Ambedkar in government offices. He said the Mann government had started its working after taking oath at native village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh in Khatkar Kalan.

Recognising the sacrifices of the armed forces, Arora noted that the ex gratia for martyred Army personnel had been doubled to ₹1 crore and similar financial aid was extended to the families of police personnel, who laid down their lives in service to the nation.

The minister lauded the government's irrigation initiatives, including a ₹275-crore project in Jalandhar and road safety measures such as the Sadak Surakhya Force, which has reduced the response times and saved thousands of lives in road accidents.

Arora concluded by celebrating the success of Khedan Watan Punjab Dian, which saw the participation from over 5 lakh individuals, aiming to revive sports culture in the state. Earlier, he took the salute at the parade led by IPS officer Siri Vinnela. He also honoured 10 families of martyrs from various conflicts including India-China war, India-Pakistan War and encounter in J&K.

Prominent among others present on the occasion included MLA Raman Arora, Mayor Vaneet Dhir, Divisional Commissioner Arum Sekhri, DIG Naveen Singla, District and Session Judge Nirbhow Singh Gill, senior AAP leaders Rajwinder Kaur Thiara and Pawan Tinu, senior officials of civil and police administration.