Fazilka, Jan 26, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
In a ceremony steeped in history and patriotism, Punjab Governor Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria unfurled the national flag in Fazilka, marking India’s 77th Republic Day.
Extending warm wishes to all citizens, especially residents of Punjab, he paid tribute to Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar, the architect of the India’s Constitution, who established the nation as a sovereign, socialist secular and democratic republic.
While addressing the state-level Republic Day function here, the Governor bowed to the land of Gurus, saints and warriors and paid homage to martyrs and freedom fighters who made sacrifices for the nation.
He recalled the tireless efforts of freedom fighters- Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose , Mahatma Gandhi, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also remembered Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Sardar Patel’s contributions to India’s unity and Constitution.
Choosing Fazilka for the ceremonial honour, the Governor stated he felt deeply privileged and emotional. He highlighted Fazilka’s enduring role as a sentinel of national security- a land that has witnessed countless tales of courage and patriotism. He noted its illustrious past as the largest wool trade centre of undivided Punjab and its current renown for produce like wheat, paddy, cotton kinnow and the famed ‘Tosha’ sweets.
He celebrated Fazilka as the birthplace of the Punjabi dance form ‘Jhumar’ by Baba Pokhar Singh and as the home district of luminaries like Indian men cricket team captain Shubman Gill and ace shooter Arjun Babuta.
He lauded Punjab’s glorious legacy and its inspirational journey, highlighting the state’s resilience even during recent devastating floods. He detailed the state government’s transformative initiatives under the motto ‘Public Service and Transparent Governance’, including the ‘Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana’ offering Rs 10 lakh cashless treatment per family, 881 ‘Aam Aadmi Clinics’, and free power to domestic consumers. He underscored achievements in education through ‘Sikhyea Kranti’.
118 ‘Schools of Eminence’ are providing quality education to children. Training teachers and principals in countries like Finland and Singapore shows commitment to quality education. To ensure girls’ education isn’t hindered, over 230 vehicles provide transport to Schools of Eminence and 17 girls’ senior secondary schools, benefiting over 10,000 students.
Punjab topped National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024, surpassing Kerala. Govt school students achieved impressive results: 265 cleared JEE Mains, 45 JEE Advance, and 847 NEET, he added.
He said that the state government increased canal water availability for irrigation from 21% to 72%, reaching the tail ends of canals after decades. For the first time since independence, a 150 km ‘Malwa Canal’ is being built at ₹2,300 crore, and an industrial investment influx of over ₹1.5 lakh crore generating lakhs of jobs.
Declaring an unwavering ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy against corruption and drugs, the Governor cited decisive actions under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, including massive seizures, arrests, and the installation of anti-drone systems. He expressed confidence in soon eradicating the drug menace to restore Punjab’s pristine glory.
Connecting Punjab’s progress to national resurgence, the Governor highlighted India’s rise as the world’s fourth-largest economy, a global startup and space powerhouse, and a leader in defence indigenisation, agriculture, and women’s empowerment.
Governor Sh. Kataria urged Punjab’s youth to lead a people’s movement against drugs and channelise their energy into education, skill development, sports and entrepreneurship. He appealed to academic institutions to establish extension centres in border districts to foster development and strengthen national security.
He called upon every citizen to pledge towards building a developed, powerful, self-reliant and inclusive India, guided by the shared national consciousness of duty, compassion and patriotism.
He extended heartiest congratulations to five distinguished individuals from Punjab including legendary actor Dharmendra (Padma Vibhushan), Sant Niranjan Das (Padma Shri), Retd DIG Inderjit Singh (Padma Shri), Hockey coach Baldev Singh (Padma Shri) and Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur (Padma Shri).
During the event, students presented performances including CM’s Yogshala, Adharshila School Abohar presented Cultural Diversity, Sarvhitkari School showcased Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Akal Academy Theh Kalandar presented Gatka, Govt. Girls School displayed Punjabi Choreography, and Govt. Girls School & District Resource Centre performed the National Anthem in sign language.
Various departments including District Legal Services Authority, Health Department, Forest Department, Horticulture Department, Education Department, Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Department, Municipal Council Fazilka, Government Primary School Chananwala, Punjab State Rural Livelihood Mission and Punjab Police presented tableaux highlighting their schemes and achievements.
Meanwhile, he also felicitated freedom fighters and distinguished individuals and distributed sewing machines and tricycles.
In a solemn act of remembrance and profound respect, Punjab Governor Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria today morning visited the War Memorial at Asafwala, a hallowed ground that stands as a permanent testament to unparalleled courage.
This serene and pious site was raised in eternal memory of 232 brave hearts whose supreme sacrifice during the 1971 Indo-Pak War secured a historic victory for India. Governor Kataria, by paying his respects at this live memorial—where the mortal remains of 82 soldiers are enshrined in a sanctum-sanctorum—honoured not just their memory, but the very spirit of a nation defended.
MP Sher Singh Ghubaya, MLA Fazilka Mr. Narinder Pal Sawna, MLA Jalalabad Mr. Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy, MLA Balluana Mr. Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir, Chief Secretary Mr. KAP Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Vivek Pratap Singh, DGP Gaurav Yadav, DIG Ferozepur range Sh. Snehdeep Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Fazilka Smt. Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, SSP Fazilka S. Gurmeet Singh and other officials were also present in the occasion.
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