Chandigarh, Aug 16 – Haryana Governor Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh said that since Independence, India has traversed an inspiring journey of development. Today, India ranks among the world’s leading economies and is advancing rapidly towards becoming a developed nation.
The Governor was addressing the people after hoisting the national flag as the Chief Guest at the State-Level Independence Day celebration held at the Grain Market in Jagadhri, Yamunanagar. On the occasion, he inspected the parade and extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day. Earlier, he paid a solemn tribute to the martyrs at the Shaheed Samarak Sthal. The First Lady Smt. Mitra Ghosh was also present on the occasion.
Paying homage to the freedom fighters, the Governor remarked that it is due to the sacrifices, martyrdom and struggles of these heroes that we have the privilege of living in an independent India. Alongside national icons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, C. Rajagopalachari, Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Sardar Udham Singh, Chandrashekhar Azad, Khudiram Bose and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Haryana has also made a significant contribution to India’s freedom struggle. Notably, Raja Rao Tula Ram of Rewari fought against the British during the Revolution of 1857.
The Governor said that India has achieved significant milestones in areas such as Digital India, Start-up India, Make in India, digital payment systems and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Farmers in Haryana have made a substantial contribution to agricultural production by adopting modern technologies. The government is empowering farmers through schemes such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, ‘Meri Fasal-Mera Byora’, the Mukhyamantri Horticulture Insurance Scheme and the Kisan Credit Card campaign.
He said that Haryana is also continuously achieving new milestones in the education sector, with the government increasing the education budget by approximately 10 per cent in the 2026-27 Budget. The state government is committed to providing quality healthcare services to every citizen. He stated that healthcare services have been significantly expanded through initiatives such as Chirayu Ayushman Haryana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram and Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres.
The Governor further stated that on August 10, the government transferred Rs 1,595 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the bank accounts of 50 lakh beneficiaries under various schemes, including Deendayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, Social Security Pension, Dayalu, Har Ghar-Har Grihini and Harit Khad Yojana.
He said that despite accounting for approximately 2.2 per cent of the country’s population, Haryana consistently produces world-class athletes and has emerged as the top medal-winning state for India in the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. The state’s tally of seven gold, two silver and one bronze medals at the recent Commonwealth Games stand as a testament to its strong sports ecosystem. Initiatives such as attractive cash awards for medal winners, government job appointments, sports nurseries, the Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana, the Bhim Awards and the state’s comprehensive sports policy are motivating young athletes to excel.
The Governor said that the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Haryana marks a historic achievement for the entire nation. At the inauguration of the train, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked that the initiative would give India a new identity in the field of eco-friendly transportation.
He further stated that recently, development projects worth approximately Rs 14,700 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid in Haryana, giving fresh impetus to road networks, healthcare and infrastructure. The Haryana government has continuously strengthened the use of modern technology to make law enforcement more effective and accountable.
He said that Yamunanagar district is renowned across the country for its plywood, paper, stainless steel utensil and sugar industries, which play a vital role in strengthening Haryana’s economy. He stated that the goal is to build a developed, prosperous, self-reliant and inclusive India by 2047, when the nation celebrates the centenary of its Independence.
A march past and vibrant cultural programmes were organised to mark Independence Day. In the march past, the male police team of the Haryana Police Academy secured first place, the Haryana NCC girls’ contingent secured second place, and the male team of the Uttarakhand Police finished third.
Similarly, in the cultural events, New Happy Public School secured first place in the Haryanvi dance category, Mukund Public School secured second place in the rhythmic yoga demonstration, and MLN College secured third place for its Gidda performance.
On the occasion, the Governor also honoured the widows of war heroes. Subsequently, he also flagged off a Red Cross ambulance on this occasion.
Dignitaries present on the occasion included Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal, IG Pankaj Nain, District and Sessions Judge Dayanand Bhardwaj, Deputy Commissioner Preeti, Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mahabir Prasad, former Minister Kanwarpal Gujjar, Chief Minister’s Special Officer (Grievance Redressal) Bhopal Singh Khadri, former MLAs Ishwar Singh Palaka and Balwant Singh, Municipal Corporation Mayor Suman Bahmani, Zila Parishad Chairman Ramesh Thaska, BJP District President Rajesh Sapra and Additional Deputy Commissioner Naveen Ahuja, along with officials from various departments and other distinguished guests.
