Chandigarh, August 14, 2026:The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, along with his wife, Smt. Anita Kataria, attended a special cultural evening organised by the Department of School Education, Chandigarh Administration, at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, on the eve of the 80th Independence Day. Titled “Salute to Memories, Tribute to the Tricolour,” the programme reflected the spirit of patriotism, remembrance and national pride.

The Administrator was accompanied by Finance Secretary Shri Diprava Lakra and Education Secretary Ms Prerna Puri. Also present during the event were Secretary Labour & Empowerment Ms Anuradha S. Chagti; Secretary Hospitality Shri Swapnil M. Naik; Secretary Animal Husbandry & Fisheries Shri Pardeep Kumar; Chief Conservator of Forests Shri Saurabh Kumar; and Director School Education Shri Nitish Singla, along with senior officials of the Chandigarh Administration, Education Department and students.

The Administrator recalled India’s journey to Independence from the 1857 uprising and Punjab’s immense sacrifices in the freedom struggle. He said the joy of freedom must never overshadow the courage and sacrifice behind it. Remembering Partition as an unbearable human tragedy, he recalled the displacement of millions and loss of countless lives, and urged the younger generation to preserve the memory of this painful chapter. He paid tribute to freedom fighters including Mangal Pandey, Madan Lal Dhingra, Ram Prasad Bismil, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Udham Singh, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Veer Savarkar and the Azad Hind Fauj.

Highlighting the Tiranga as a symbol of national pride and sovereignty, the Administrator paid homage to the armed forces and recalled India’s resilience in facing challenges from across its borders, including the 1965 and 1971 wars and Operation Sindoor. He said India is moving forward with greater confidence and determination while remaining committed to peace.

Referring to the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’, Shri Kataria said the song continues to inspire patriotism and love for the motherland. Appreciating around 350 government-school students for ‘Smritiyon Ko Naman, Tirange Ko Naman’, he said their performances reflected India’s rich heritage and ‘Unity in Diversity’. He said ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ is an opportunity to honour the sacrifices behind Independence and understand the responsibilities of citizenship.

Emphasising that freedom carries responsibility, Shri Kataria urged citizens to uphold the Constitution, democracy, unity and integrity, and contribute to national development. He called upon youth to combine ambition with character, discipline and commitment, and urged Chandigarh residents to protect the city’s cleanliness, greenery and cultural identity and collectively fight drug abuse and other social evils. He called upon citizens to carry the Tricolour not only in their hands but also in their hearts.

The programme opened with a stirring rendition of “Vande Mataram” by GMSSS-35, followed by a devotional dance by GMSSS-33 and a socially relevant play by GMSSS-40. Vibrant performances by DPS-40, Dev Samaj-21, GGMSSS-20B, New Public School-18 and GMSSS MHC showcased patriotic spirit, Punjab’s folk heritage and creative expression through dance, music and mime, culminating in an energetic patriotic dance that left the audience immersed in national pride.

The performances through music, dance, theatre and mime beautifully reflected India’s freedom struggle, cultural diversity, sacrifices, unity and national values. The programme became a poignant journey of remembrance and celebration, reminding the audience that the Tricolour embodies the dreams and sacrifices of generations. As a fitting curtain-raiser to Independence Day, the evening conveyed a simple message: remember the sacrifices, cherish freedom, respect the Tricolour and carry India’s spirit forward.