Joy Lal8217;s wife honoured

PANCHKULA, Aug 15: Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. This...

PANCHKULA, Aug 15: Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. This wonderful quote by Adlai Stevenson was surely evident on the Independence Day celebrations at the Sector 5 police ground here today.

A large crowd had started gathering at the function venue since early morning to witness the colourful event on the occasion of 53rd Independence Day.

Haryana Governor Mahavir Prasad hoisted the national flag and inspected the Guard of Honour and took salute of the police, homeguards and NCC contingents. Speaking on the occasion, the Governor while paying his tributes to the martyrs said India was the biggest democracy in the world because of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters like Rajguru, Sukhdev, Bhagat Singh and Chander Shekhar Azad.

Paying his homage to the Kargil martyrs, Prasad said over 75 soldiers from Haryana had sacrificed their lives in the Kargil, Drass and Batalik sectors and also paid tributes to the martyrs from the district. He lauded the progress made by the state in the field of agriculture and industries, where the state had set many records during the last 33 years. While stressing on the women education he said that 60 percent women of the state are still illetrate and there is a need to intensify the literacy campaign. The Governor cautioned that the growing population could hamper the development projects of the state and hence should be checked.

The Governor honoured Geeta, the wife of Joy Lal; Raksha Devi, mother of Major Sandeep Sagar. Both Joy Lal and Sandeep Sagar had been killed while fighting insurgency in the Kasmir valley. A colourful cultural programme was presented by the school children of the district. The Governor announced a grant of Rs.21,000 for the children who participated in the cultural programme.

Meanwhile the day was also celebrated in other sectors of the township as well. The acting Principal of the local government college, Santosh Malhotra hoisted the National flag and inspected the Guard of Honour by the NCC cadets.