Cabinet Minister Dr Sharma calls for collective effort to build ‘Viksit Bharat, Viksit Haryana’; unfurls the National Flag at Rohtak

Rohtak, August 15, 2026: Cooperation, Prisons, Elections, Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Kumar Sharma on Friday paid tribute to the known and unknown freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and called upon people to contribute to building a Viksit Bharat and Viksit Haryana.
Addressing the district-level Independence Day function at Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex after unfurling the National Flag, Dr. Sharma said India attained freedom in 1947 through the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters.
Earlier, the minister paid floral tribute to martyrs at the State War Memorial at MDU and inspected the parade in an open jeep along with Additional Deputy Commissioner Narendra Kumar and Parade Commander DSP Tanuj Sharma.
For the first time, the program began with the national song, with the gathering standing in its honour. Dr. Sharma extended Independence Day and Hariyali Teej greetings and announced a holiday on Monday for schools that participated in the programme, besides two days’ leave for police and Home Guards personnel deployed for the event.
Cabinet Minister said India was progressing rapidly towards becoming a developed nation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Referring to the launch of the country’s first hydrogen train from Jind, he said efforts were underway to extend its route from Sonipat to Delhi.
Highlighting Haryana’s economic progress, he said the state was advancing in agriculture, industry and services, with the government focused on inclusive development. He cited MSP procurement for 24 crops, ₹2,100 monthly assistance under the Lado Lakshmi Yojana, housing support and merit-based government recruitment. Haryana’s GSDP is estimated at ₹15.18 lakh crore in 2026-27, nearly 11 per cent higher than the previous year, he said.
On healthcare, Dr. Sharma said eligible families were receiving treatment up to ₹5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu, while government hospitals and medical colleges provided free dialysis. Eligible advanced-stage cancer patients from families with an annual income below ₹3 lakh were also being provided ₹3,000 monthly assistance.
He said around 425 dependents of soldiers who died in service had been provided government jobs on compassionate grounds over the past 12 years.
Recalling Haryana’s contribution to the freedom struggle, Dr. Sharma said the uprising that began in Ambala on May 10, 1857, helped spread the message of freedom across the country. The memorial being constructed at Ambala Cantonment is in its final stage, he added.
As Prisons Minister, he stressed the need for a drug-free youth and healthy families, noting that the Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat campaign had drawn participation from crores of young people at more than 28,000 locations.
Highlighting Haryana’s sporting achievements, he said Indian athletes won 39 medals at the Commonwealth Games, including 13 gold, 17 silver and nine bronze. Haryana contributed 10 medals, including seven gold, with women athletes winning five.
Nine contingents take part in march-past
Nine contingents led by DSP Tanuj Sharma participated in the march-past. Dr. Sharma honoured war widows and other war heroines with shawls.
Around 1,600 students from 16 schools presented mass physical exercises, including lezium and dumbbell displays. Students from eight schools staged cultural programmes showcasing the freedom struggle, sporting achievements, Malkhamb, yoga, Durga Shakti and India’s cultural diversity. Model School students presented an orchestra performance.
The minister later honoured participating students, performers and other achievers. Additional Deputy Commissioner Narendra Kumar presented him a memento on behalf of the district administration.
The event concluded with the National Anthem. Senior district officials, public representatives, students and other dignitaries attended the programme.