Raj Sadosh/Fazilka/Abohar.

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria unfurled the national flag in Fazilka, marking India's 77th Republic Day. He paid tribute to Baba Sahib Dr BR Ambedkar, the architect of India's Constitution, who established the nation as a sovereign, socialist secular and democratic republic.

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.

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.

Governor 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 earlier visited the War Memorial at Asafwala, a hallowed ground that stands as a permanent testament to unparalleled courage. MP Sher Singh Ghubaya, MLAs Narinder Pal Sawna, Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy, Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, DGP Gaurav Yadav, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu were also present.