Deputy Speaker Rouri Hoists Tricolour

Barnala/Jan 26/Daljeet Ajnoha : India marked its 77th Republic Day with great enthusiasm at a state-level function held at Baba Kala Mehar Multi-Purpose Sports Stadium in Barnala. Punjab Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Jai Krishan Singh Rouri performed the ceremonial hoisting of the national tricolour on this auspicious occasion, as the entire stadium echoed with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram”.Addressing the gathering, Deputy Speaker Rouri described January 26 as a pivotal day in India’s history, when the nation adopted its Constitution and advanced as a sovereign democratic republic. He paid floral tributes to the freedom fighters and Constitution framers, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.He emphasised that the Constitution grants rights to equality, justice, and liberty, and it is every citizen’s duty to safeguard these values. Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the Punjab government is relentlessly working for public welfare, taking historic steps in health, education, employment, and infrastructure, he added.Rouri appealed to the youth to stay away from drugs and contribute to the nation’s progress, stating that Punjab’s true strength lies in its young population, whose future is the government’s top priority.Schoolchildren enthralled the audience with vibrant cultural performances, including patriotic songs, dances, and skits that beautifully portrayed love for the country and the spirit of sacrifice, earning loud applause.The event was attended by district administration officials, police personnel, representatives from various departments and social organisations, teachers, and a large number of people. The administration made elaborate arrangements to ensure the programme concluded smoothly and peacefully.Concluding his speech, Deputy Speaker Rouri extended Republic Day greetings to the nation and urged everyone to strengthen India’s unity, integrity, and brotherhood to propel the country to new heights of progress.