Face2News/Chandigarh

Chandigarh Administration on Friday celebrated the 79th Independence Day with full patriotic fervor at Parade Ground, Sector-17, Chandigarh. The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria was the chief guest on the occasion. The Administrator laid wreath at the War Memorial, Bougainvillea Garden, in memory of all members of the armed forces who gave up their life for the country.

The celebrations began at the Parade Ground where the Administrator unfurled the National Flag and inspected the Guard of Honour. This was followed by a March Past by various contingents of Police and NCC Cadets participating in the Independence Day Parade.

While addressing the gathering, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria extended greetings to all Indians and especially to the residents of Chandigarh and Punjab and paid homage to the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters, especially highlighting the vital role of Punjab in the freedom struggle.

Addressing a gathering at Parade Ground, he emphasized India's unwavering stance against terrorism and lauded the swift and decisive military responses, including Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, in retaliation to the Pahalgam attack.

Remebrering the great revolutionaries the Administrator paid rich tributes to the nation’s great freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Lokmanya Tilak, and countless known and unknown heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for India’s independence. He particularly acknowledged the heroic contributions of Punjab—home to legends like Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru, Lala Lajpat Rai, Udham Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, and Madan Lal Dhingra.

Highlighting the key achievements of Chandigarh’s development, the Governor elaborated on recent achievements in law enforcement, education, governance, environment, and health infrastructure. He spoke about the successful rollout of the new criminal justice system, power sector reforms, and initiatives such as free uniforms, recruitment of teachers, and the enhancement of school facilities. He praised Chandigarh’s environmental efforts, including rooftop solar expansion and a floating solar plant at Sector 39, while also noting progress in e-governance, public safety, sanitation, and digital services.

Speaking about Punjab, he appreciated the welfare schemes being undertaken — from the provision of free healthcare and electricity to investments in school education and sports promotion — while stressing the importance of transparent governance and public accountability.

He urged everyone to strive for a Bharat where not only tall buildings rise, but where noble ideals flourish; where development is inclusive, and where every citizen’s action is guided by love for the nation and commitment to its progress.

A special highlight of this year’s celebrations was the meaningful inclusion of 50 hearing- and speech-impaired individuals, who witnessed the parade with arrangements for real-time interpretation in sign language, ensuring their complete understanding and participation in the event.

The Administrator awarded commendation certificates to 34 employees of the Chandigarh Administration and general public for rendering outstanding services in the field of Public services, Art and Culture, Social Services and Sports and also conferred Administrator’s Police Medal for Distinguished/Meritorious Services to 24 Chandigarh Police Personnel on Independence Day, 2025. Three employees from Chandigarh Police were awarded with the President Police Medal.

The Chandigarh Police -District- 1 ,Male received the overall best award in the parade.

The first prize in the category of Military forces/ Police contingent went to Chandigarh Police -1,Male second position was bagged byIRB,Female,
Punjab Police Platoon-Male came third.

In the category of Home Guard/ Fire Brigade/ Civil Defence, the first prize was bagged by Chandigarh Fire Services, second position was bagged by Chandigarh Home Guard and Chandigarh Civil Defence came third. In NCC contingents, NCC Army wing bagged the first position, NCC Army Wing Girls Wing came second and NCC Naval Wing Chandigarh came third.

In the category of Ambulance Brigade/Road Safety/ Platoon Scouts/ Guides/ the first prize was bagged by GMSS-22 Guide Girls ,GMHS -32,Girls won second position ,GMSSS Girls Road Safety, came third. In School Band category, Sacred Heart -26 bagged the first position and Sacred Heart School came second. In Cultural Operation sindur volunteers bagged the first position

The Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh, announced a Holiday on Monday 18th August in all schools in Chandigarh, Government, Government-Aided and Private.

Sh. Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary Chandigarh, Sh.Sagar Preet Hooda , DGP Chandigarh and other senior officials of Chandigarh Administration and Police were present during the function.