SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Saturday hoisted the National Flag at Lok Bhavan, Shimla, on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day and called upon citizens to work collectively towards building a strong, prosperous, self-reliant and developed India.
A ceremonial programme was held on the lawns of Lok Bhavan, where the Governor unfurled the Tricolour. A contingent of the Police Guard stationed at Lok Bhavan presented a Guard of Honour, which the Governor inspected.
First Lady of Himachal Pradesh Bindu Gupta was also present on the occasion. The Governor later distributed sweets among the Lok Bhavan staff and extended his greetings to the people of the state and the country.
Paying tributes to freedom fighters and martyrs, Gupta said the sacrifices of countless patriots had made India’s Independence possible and would continue to inspire future generations.
“I pay my floral tributes to all those great patriots, and I bow to the brave soldiers who, after Independence, laid down their lives to preserve the unity and integrity of our country and to protect our borders,” he said.
The Governor said Independence Day was not merely an occasion to hoist the Tricolour but one of the greatest national festivals and an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country.
Highlighting India’s development journey, Gupta said the country was moving ahead with renewed confidence and clear policies under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said India had emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy and was steadily progressing towards becoming the third-largest economy in the years ahead.
The Governor also stressed that India had become stronger and more self-reliant in the defence sector under the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He said the Prime Minister, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, had unveiled the “Sapta Dhara” — Seven Streams of Strength — framework to guide the country towards the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Gupta said Himachal Pradesh, with its rich natural resources, cultural heritage and talented human capital, had immense potential to contribute to national development.
“Our endeavour should be to create a self-reliant Himachal Pradesh where development is inclusive, opportunities reach every section of society and growth remains environmentally sustainable,” he said.
The Governor urged people to work towards sustainable development, environmental conservation, social harmony and inclusive growth.
Emphasising the role of youth in nation-building, he asked young people to focus on education, innovation, entrepreneurship, sports, skill development and public service.
He particularly appealed to the youth to stay away from drugs and actively participate in the ongoing Nasha Mukt Himachal campaign.
Gupta also called for coordinated efforts by families, educational institutions, civil society and government agencies to protect the younger generation from drug abuse.
Stressing the need to safeguard Himachal Pradesh’s fragile ecology, he said development and environmental conservation must go hand in hand and urged citizens to contribute towards forest conservation, water security, cleanliness and sustainable development.
Referring to constitutional values, the Governor said democracy, justice, equality, fraternity and respect for diversity formed the strength of the Indian Republic and appealed to citizens to discharge their fundamental duties with commitment.
Later, Gupta unveiled a plaque commemorating Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay along with stanzas of the National Song Vande Mataram at Lok Bhavan in connection with its 150th anniversary.
He said Vande Mataram occupied a cherished place in India’s freedom struggle and continued to inspire patriotism, national unity and devotion to the motherland.
