Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab Governor Kataria unfurls Tricolor at Fazilka on Republic Day; View Pics
Pays tribute to martyrs and nation builders
Babushahi Bureau
Fazilka (Punjab), January 6, 2026: Punjab Governor Shri Gulab Chand Kataria unfurled the national Tricolour at the state-level Republic Day celebrations in Fazilka on Monday, marking India’s 77th Republic Day and paying rich tributes to martyrs, freedom fighters and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr B.R. Ambedkar.
Extending warm greetings to the people of Punjab and the nation, the Governor recalled the invaluable contribution of Dr Ambedkar in shaping India into a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.
He bowed to the land of Gurus, saints and warriors and honoured the sacrifices of legendary freedom fighters including Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Kataria said he felt privileged to unfurl the Tricolour in Fazilka, a border district that has stood as a sentinel of national security and witnessed countless stories of courage and patriotism.
He highlighted Fazilka’s rich heritage, its historic role as a major wool trade centre of undivided Punjab, and its agricultural prominence known for wheat, paddy, cotton, kinnow and the famed ‘Tosha’ sweets.
He also noted that Fazilka is the birthplace of the Punjabi folk dance ‘Jhumar’ and the home district of renowned sportspersons including Indian cricket team captain Shubman Gill and shooter Arjun Babuta.
The Governor lauded Punjab’s resilience and progress, even in the face of recent devastating floods, and highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the state government under the theme of public service and transparent governance.
These included the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana providing cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family, the functioning of 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, free electricity for domestic consumers, and major strides in education under the ‘Sikhyea Kranti’.
He said 118 Schools of Eminence are providing quality education, with teachers trained in Finland and Singapore, while transport facilities for girl students are benefitting over 10,000 students.
He noted that Punjab topped the National Achievement Survey 2024, surpassing Kerala, and highlighted the success of government school students in competitive examinations such as JEE and NEET.
On agriculture and infrastructure, the Governor said canal water availability has increased significantly, a 150-km Malwa Canal is being constructed at a cost of ₹2,300 crore, and industrial investments worth over ₹1.5 lakh crore have generated employment for lakhs of youth.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and drugs, Governor Kataria referred to decisive action under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, including seizures, arrests and the installation of anti-drone systems along the border. He expressed confidence that Punjab would soon overcome the drug menace.
Linking Punjab’s growth with India’s rise on the global stage, the Governor highlighted the country’s emergence as the world’s fourth-largest economy and a leader in startups, space technology, defence manufacturing, agriculture and women empowerment.
He called upon the youth to lead a people’s movement against drugs and urged citizens to contribute towards building a strong, self-reliant and inclusive India.
The Governor also congratulated eminent Punjabis honoured with Padma awards this year, including veteran actor Dharmendra, Sant Niranjan Das, retired DIG Inderjit Singh, hockey coach Baldev Singh and Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur.
Earlier in the day, Governor Kataria visited the War Memorial at Asafwala and paid homage to 232 brave soldiers who laid down their lives during the 1971 Indo-Pak War. He described the memorial as a living symbol of valour and sacrifice, where the mortal remains of 82 soldiers are enshrined.
The celebrations featured a colourful parade, cultural performances by students, tableaux by various departments showcasing government schemes, and the felicitation of freedom fighters and achievers. Sewing machines and tricycles were also distributed to beneficiaries.
Several dignitaries, including MPs, MLAs, senior civil and police officials, were present on the occasion.