Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today stressed to save the youth from. falling prey to drugs and said their energy must be channelised for nation-building.
"We need to rope in all the sections of society to join hands against drug abuse and completely uproot this evil from the society," he said.
Unfurling the Tricolour on the 77th Himachal Day, which was celebrated with gaiety and fervour in the state, the Governor took the salute of an impressive march past at the State-level Himachal Day function held on the historic Ridge in Shimla.
The march past was led by Parade Commander, IPS Abhishek in which contingents of State Police, Home Guards, Bharat Scouts & Guides and NCC cadets also participated.
Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was also present on the occasion.
The Governor while congratulating the people of the state on the auspicious occasion of Himachal Day highlighted the rich heritage and natural splendour that defines this hill state.
Emphasising the role of its honest and hardworking people, he commended their resilience in overcoming geographical and economic challenges to drive rapid development as we see today.
He praised the peaceful atmosphere and social harmony as hallmarks that set Himachal Pradesh apart. Recognising the state's journey from modest beginnings to becoming a beacon of hill development, the Governor credited the unwavering dedication to its citizens.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the same spirit of determination will propel the state towards continued progress and prosperity.
Coming into existence on April 15, 1948, with the merger of 30 small hill princely hill states, our rich culture, high traditions and natural beauty are the distinctive identity of Dev Bhoomi, he said.
The hard-working people contributed a lot to the development of the state since its formation, said the Governor.
"This small hill state started its journey with meagre resources and today the State has emerged as the forerunner of hill development setting an example for other states to follow, " he said. The credit goes to the honest people, their passion and their determination towards achieving the goals set.
"I hope that this zeal continues in future as well to keep the pace of development going”, said Shukla.
The Governor expressed his gratitude to those great sons of the state who have contributed to the development of Himachal Pradesh. He also paid tribute to those great freedom fighters from the state who were the real heroes in paving the way to making Himachal a self-reliant state.
He also paid homage to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the cause of the nation.
The Governor appealed to all the citizens to exercise their right to franchise and to ensure their cent per cent participation in the Utsav of Democracy.
A colourful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
Health Minister Dr.(Col) Dhani Ram Shandil, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, Lady Governor Janaki Shukla, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries and senior officers of the State Government and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.
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