79th Independence Day: Kalka MLA hoists the National Flag, remembers martyrs
On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day, Kalka MLA Shakti Rani Sharma hoisted the National Flag at the Kalka Stadium, took the salute at the march past and paid tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives for the nation, saying, “It is because of their sacrifice, that we breathe in the open air today.”
She announced a sum of Rs1 lakh as a token of honour for the participants of the Independence Day celebrations. Extending warm greetings to all, she said that the entire nation was immersed in the spirit of the Tricolour, with every street and home adorned in its colours and every corner resonating with patriotism.
The Tricolour, she added, is a living emblem of India’s history, struggle and aspirations.
She paid homage to both known and unknown martyrs who sacrificed their lives before and after Independence to protect the unity and integrity of the nation, stating that whenever India’s pride has been attacked, its soldiers have given a befitting reply.
Recalling the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, she condemned it as not just an assault on innocent civilians, but a brazen strike at the soul of India. She praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and lauded ‘Operation Sindoor’ carried out on May 7, in which nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan were destroyed, sending a clear message to those sponsoring terrorism.
Sharma outlined government measures for the welfare of martyrs’ families, including compassionate appointments to dependents — 410 such jobs provided from October 2014 to June 2025. She spoke of Haryana’s upcoming Armed Forces Preparatory Institutes in Charkhi Dadri, Hisar and Yamunanagar, a proposed war memorial at Rewari, and a grand Shaheedi Smarak at Ambala Cantt to honour the 1857 uprising.
Highlighting achievements under the Prime Minister’s leadership, she mentioned transformative schemes such as PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, PM Suryaghar Yojana and PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, which have empowered millions, particularly the underprivileged. She noted historic decisions, including the construction of the Ram Lalla Temple, the abolition of triple talaq, and the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A.
Sharma emphasised the Haryana Government’s focus on transparency, public participation in governance and welfare initiatives — ranging from 24-hour electricity under “Mhara Gaon, Jagmag Gaon” to free bus travel for poor families, marriage grants for daughters, and large-scale housing and healthcare projects – including free dialysis in government hospitals. She also spoke of environmental efforts, tree plantation drives, Amrit Sarovars, waste management projects, smart cities in Faridabad and Karnal, and 450 approved e-buses for seven major cities.
Referring to Haryana’s aviation growth, she lauded the completion of Maharaja Agrasen Airport in Hisar, which has already seen the launch of flights to Ayodhya. She said this commitment and service is the truest tribute to the martyrs.
On the occasion, she personally honoured the relatives of freedom fighters — Jitender, Barkat Ram, Devender, Ajmer, Jot Singh — and war widows Sulochna, Darshan Kaur and Rajni Devi, presenting them with shawls.
Outstanding officials and employees were also felicitated with mementoes and commendation certificates.
The Haryana Police, Home Guards, NCC boys and girls, Scouts and Guides presented an impressive march past. Schools, including Sophia Convent, Unison International, Arya Girls Senior Secondary, Bal Bharti, Vivekananda Millennium, Darshan Academy, Sikh Girls High, Akal Jyot Public, Alpine International, and SSD Smart School presented captivating cultural performances.
Present at the event were Municipal Council Chairman Krishan Lamba, SDM Kalka Sanyam Garg, Tehsildar Vivek Goyal, BDPO Vinay Pratap, ACP Ashish Kumar, BJP Vice President Pawan Kumari, Mandal President Kapil Gaud, Harish, and other dignitaries.
Haryana Tribune