Pays Tribute to Punjabis’ Role in India’s Freedom Struggle and National Development
Kapurthala News: On the occasion of Republic Day, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal urged all citizens to work with greater dedication and commitment toward creating a healthy and prosperous society. He emphasized that true tribute to our martyrs lies in such collective efforts at this national festival.
After hoisting the Tricolour at Guru Nanak Stadium during the district-level Republic Day celebrations, Panchal paid homage to Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar for his visionary leadership in drafting the Constitution. He also highlighted the immense contributions of Punjabis to India’s freedom struggle and ongoing national development. “It is a matter of immense pride to hoist the National Flag on this sacred land where Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji recited the Mool Mantra and preached the universal message of equality and brotherhood,” he said.
Panchal noted that Republic Day marks India as the world’s largest democracy and serves as a reminder to uphold constitutional values while fulfilling the dreams of our freedom fighters for a brighter future. He paid a special tribute to Punjab’s heroic role in the independence movement, where countless revolutionaries endured severe hardships, including Kala Pani, to secure freedom for the nation. He remembered legendary figures such as Shaheed-e-Azam Sardar Bhagat Singh, Kartar Singh Sarabha, Udham Singh, Madan Lal Dhingra, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Lala Hardayal, whose sacrifices continue to inspire generations.
Highlighting the Punjab Government’s initiatives for all-round development and public welfare, Mr. Panchal spoke about significant progress in health, education, and the fight against drugs. The government is aggressively disrupting the drug supply chain while prioritizing rehabilitation. He proudly mentioned that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched the second phase of the “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh – Pindaan De Pehredaar” campaign from Phagwara, engaging over 1.5 lakh village-level volunteers to combat the drug menace at the grassroots.
As the land of the Gurus, Punjab is committed to preserving its rich heritage. The government organized world-class events to commemorate the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
In the health sector, the Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme provides cashless treatment up to Rs 10 lakh in government and private hospitals across Punjab and Chandigarh. Nearly 5 crore people have benefited from free treatment at 882 Aam Aadmi Clinics statewide, with 25 operational in Kapurthala district and three more upcoming.
To boost economic growth, Punjab’s first Startup Punjab Conclave 2026 was successfully held in Phagwara, attracting renowned startups and investors.
Fulfilling its promise to the youth, the Punjab Government has provided over 63,000 government jobs so far.
Additional measures include 300 units of free electricity** per month for domestic consumers and the renovation of 200 km of roads in Kapurthala district at a cost of Rs 68 crore.
Mr. Panchal also commended farmers for reducing stubble burning incidents by up to 60% through better in-field management practices and administrative support.
Earlier, after hoisting the flag, the Deputy Commissioner inspected the parade and took the salute from the march-past, led by Major Dr. Sheetal Singh. SSP Gaurav Toora was also present.
The event included honouring Veer Naris, families of freedom fighters, and dependents of martyrs.
On this occasion, District Planning Board Chairman Sarabjit Singh Lubana, Aam Aadmi Party constituency in-charge Advocate Karamveer Singh Chandi, Chairman Deepak Shah, senior AAP leader Kanwar Iqbal Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Navneet Kaur Ball, Inderjeet Singh Jugnu, Chairman Jagjit Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Varinderpal Singh Bajwa, and other dignitaries were present.
