Chandigarh, August 15 – Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh on Friday hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the state-level 79th Independence Day celebrations held in Ambala City. Extending warm greetings and best wishes on the occasion, the Governor conveyed special Independence Day wishes to the soldiers who safeguard the nation’s borders day and night.
Earlier, the Governor paid floral tributes at the Shaheed Smarak, bowing in respect to the martyrs. He also honoured war widows, family members of freedom fighters, and eminent persons who participated in the Emergency and Hindi andolan. The Governor’s wife, Smt. Mitra Ghosh, was also present on the occasion.
Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that seventy-nine years ago, in 1947, the dream of every Indian for independence was fulfilled. This day, he added, is also an occasion to remember the countless martyrs and freedom fighters who laid down their lives to secure this freedom. He said that he pays heartfelt homage to all known and unknown martyrs and expressed his gratitude to the great freedom fighters.
He said that, as in previous years, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has filled the nation with patriotic fervour, with the tricolour flying high on every home, street, and neighbourhood. He expressed deep gratitude to the nation-builders, border-guarding soldiers, talented scientists, farmers, and hardworking labourers who, through their skill, courage, and dedication, have made India a global power.
Haryana, he recalled, played a leading role in the freedom struggle as the revolt of 1857 began in Ambala on May 8, 1857. In memory of those fighters, a ‘Shaheedi Samarak’ is being built in Ambala at a cost of Rs. 538 crore.
Prof. Ghosh lauded Haryana’s soldiers for their significant contribution to guarding the nation’s frontiers even after independence, setting new examples of bravery during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 wars, and in the Kargil conflict. It is our duty to stand by the families of martyrs, he said, adding that the state government has increased the monthly pension for freedom fighters and their widows to Rs. 40,000.
Highlighting India’s growing global stature, he said, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, India’s voice is heard on international platforms. Our nation is not only producing missiles with advanced indigenous technology but also successfully executing missions like Suryaayan, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.
Referring to recent defence successes, Prof. Ghosh pointed out that the world witnessed the strength of India’s homegrown technology and weaponry during Operation Sindoor. He also praised the army’s Operation Mahadev, which brought justice to those responsible for the Pahalgam attack.
Congratulating the people of Haryana, he said they have, through progressive thinking, talent, and hard work, transformed the small state into one of the most developed in the country. Haryana today leads in per capita income, industrial production, foreign investment, education, sports, agriculture, and transportation, he said. The state is also a leader in food grain production, manufactures every second car running on Indian roads, and produces 52 percent of the country’s tractors.
Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that over the past ten and a half years, the state government has freed the people from discriminatory systems, making every scheme and programme transparent through over 100 portals and mobile applications. Recruitments without bribes or recommendations, online transfers, educated panchayats, and the Antyodaya campaign are now discussed nationwide, he said.
He also highlighted the significant progress in infrastructure – from canals, roads, and rail networks to industrial growth, metro expansion, numerous overbridges, and high-quality educational institutions. Haryana, he said, has become the home of athletes who bring glory to India in the Olympics and other international sporting events.
Calling Haryana a welfare state, the Governor emphasised that concrete measures are being taken to ensure the benefits of development reach even the poorest citizens. The state has created a conducive environment for industry and trade, established an Ease of Doing Business ecosystem, and preserved its cultural heritage amid physical development. The vision of a developed India by 2047, as outlined by the Prime Minister, is already being realised in many ways in Haryana, he said, congratulating the state’s entrepreneurs, diligent farmers, and workers, said Prof. Ghosh.
He urged all citizens to take a pledge, on this historic day, to work together for the nation’s rebuilding.
