MESSAGE OF PUNJAB GOVERNOR AND ADMINISTRATOR, UNION TERRITORY, CHANDIGARH, SHRI SHIVRAJ V. PATIL

ON THE OCCASION OF REPUBLIC DAY JANUARY 26, 2014
       On the eve of 64th Anniversary of our Republic, I have the privilege to extend my heartiest greetings to all Indians living in the country and abroad and brave personnel of our armed forces, who guard our frontiers on land, at sea and in the air to defend the unity and territorial integrity of the nation.
       The formation of the Republic on 26th January 1950 was the first milestone in our march towards realizing the dreams of our people in the aftermath of Independence. The Constitution gave expression to the goals, ideals and values that guided our freedom struggle.
       This historic occasion is a day of rejoicing, as today we enjoy the status of being the world’s largest democracy and one of the major players in the world map.
       While today is an occasion for celebration and rejoicing yet it is also a day of introspection about our successes and our failures in realizing the goals set in the Constitution and the dreams of the stalwarts of India’s freedom struggle.
       The unprecedented contribution of Punjab to the cause of Freedom of our country is unmatched anywhere in the history of the world. The great martyrs, who shed every drop of their blood and have languished in jails, have left a rich legacy for all of us which demands unbounded love and respect of our motherland besides firm commitment to preserve India’s glory.
              As per the report of Sample Registration System (SMS),Punjab has become one of the best states in the country to bring down infant mortality Rate (IMR),the food bowl of the country has also made a marvelous improvement in the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR).
The un-ethical practice of female feticide is posing a serious threat to the social fabric of our society.  Nani Chhaan campaign successfully launched in the state of Punjab, aiming to save the girl child as well as promoting environmental protection by planting a sapling to celebrate the birth of girl child is a right step in this direction. We all need to join hands and heads to take actions to curb social evils.
I am confident that the people of Punjab and Chandigarh, who have always been torchbearers in every movement for change, will emerge as role models for the rest of the country.
       Let us renew our pledge, on this historic day, to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of nationalism and of patriotism and to work, with commitment, dedication, and with positive attitude to make Punjab, Chandigarh and the country strong and vibrant.
My dear citizens, let me once again wish you a very purposeful and happy Republic Day.
May God bless you.
 
Jai Hind