Message of Governor Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria on 76th Republic Day

Dear Punjabis, Today on momentous occasion of 26th January, I extend my heartfelt best wishes to you all with regard to the 76th Republic Day.

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This day is of immense pride and happiness for us all as it was on this day that the constitution came into force and India became a Sovereign, Democratic Republic.

The Republic Day reminds us of those lofty ideals which are the bedrock of a society founded on the principles of Justice, Freedom, Equality and Fraternity. The day reminiscent of the sacrifices made by the great freedom fighters who staked their lives to ensure that we breathe in the air of independence and thus gave a new impetus to our Nation.

The Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and scores of Indians played a stellar role in getting our country freed from the foreign rule. I bow to all these in reverence.

Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Madan Lal Dhingra, Lala Lajpat Rai, 'Gadri Babe' and many other freedom fighters were martyred in the independence movement. Bowing in absolute deference to these martyrs, I salute their hallowed memory.

Today, on this occasion, I also remember all the Members of the Constituent Assembly. Our country would forever be indebted to Baba Saheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar who headed the constituent assembly and rendered yeoman's service in giving final shape to the constitution.

My dear people of Punjab, The theme of this year's Republic Day is centered on 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas' (Golden India: Legacy and Development) which showcases the year by year progress of rich cultural heritage of India.