Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan unfurled the national flag on the 75th Republic Day at the Police Parade Ground in the capital Raipur. On this occasion, he extended heartfelt congratulations and good wishes to all, emphasising the importance of remembering the undying spirit of martyrs and freedom fighters. Governor Harichandan paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Swatantrya Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and other luminaries who played pivotal roles in India’s freedom struggle. He acknowledged the contributions of leaders like Dr Rajendra Prasad, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, instrumental in making India the world’s biggest republic and a successful democratic nation. The Governor also recognised the current President, Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their leadership, showcasing that individuals from ordinary families can ascend to the highest positions in the country.

 

Republic Day serves as an opportunity to strengthen belief in the rights of every individual and constitutional values, said Governor Harichandan highlighting the need to fulfil the basic needs of the common people and provide everyone with means and opportunities for development. He commended the central and state governments for initiating people-centric policies and schemes. In Chhattisgarh, the government has taken rapid steps, such as the ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana,’ to fulfil promises and provide homes for every homeless family. Governor Harichandan stated that the government’s efforts to economically empower farmers and promote the economic self-reliance and empowerment of women through initiatives like the ‘Mahtari Vandan Yojana.’ Progress has been made under schemes like ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ and ‘Jal Jeevan Mission,’ providing LPG connections and domestic tap connections to beneficiaries are remarkable. To the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana’ has been expanded to provide free rice every month to nearly 68 lakh eligible families in Chhattisgarh, he added. The Governor also talked about the importance of youth empowerment, quality education, values, and fair opportunities for livelihood.

 

He pledged to start the ‘Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana’ to preserve the memories of Lord Shri Ram in Ayodhya. He informed that Chhattisgarh was recognized as the third cleanest state in the country in Swachh Sarvekshan 2023, a testament to the state’s commitment to cleanliness and better health. Initiatives like ‘Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adiwasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan’ and ‘Vikasit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’ aim to provide essential services to vulnerable tribal groups and create awareness about central schemes. Governor Harichandan emphasised the success of democracy, rooted in the commitment of every individual, cooperation, active participation in development, and a strong desire for progress in science and technology. He expressed confidence that, following the strategy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas,’ Chhattisgarh would achieve every objective for its betterment.