 Early Times Report
LEH, Jan 27: The 77th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the historic Polo Ground here, where the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, unfurled the National Tricolour, inspected the parade and took the salute at an against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains.
Extending Republic Day greetings to the people of Ladakh, the Lt Governor said the Tricolour today flies proudly over Ladakh's peaks and the Siachen Glacier, symbolising the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution. He said Republic Day carries two enduring messages - "The Mantra of Freedom - Vande Mataram," marking its 150th year, and "The Mantra of Prosperity - Aatmanirbhar Bharat," reflecting India's journey towards self-reliance, cultural diversity and national strength.
Kavinder Gupta said Republic Day is not merely a celebration of past achievements but a reaffirmation of citizens' constitutional duties. Recalling that India became the world's largest democracy on January 26, 1950, he said the nation has overcome challenges through unity in diversity and collective responsibility. He noted that India's achievements in economic growth, science, education, healthcare, democratic institutions, culture and social development have earned global admiration.
Highlighting the transformative initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor referred to milestones such as India emerging as the fifth-largest economy, the digital revolution through UPI and JAM trinity, GST reforms, integration following abrogation of Article 370, flagship schemes including Swachh Bharat, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, Jal Jeevan Mission, and achievements in space missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1. He also cited infrastructure expansion, successful COVID-19 vaccination, Production Linked Incentive schemes, NEP-2020, women empowerment legislation, International Solar Alliance leadership and the successful hosting of the G20. He reiterated the Government of India's special focus on border regions through the Vibrant Villages Programme to improve infrastructure, livelihoods and quality of life with community participation. |
