Chandigarh, August 15: Chandigarh celebrated the 80th Independence Day with traditional patriotic enthusiasm at the Sector-17 Parade Ground, where Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria served as the chief guest. Marking the occasion, the Administrator declared Monday, August 17, as a holiday for all government, government-aided, and private schools across the Union Territory.
The official proceedings commenced early in the day with a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial in Bougainvillea Garden, honoring fallen armed forces personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
Following the tribute, the Administrator unfurled the national flag at the Parade Ground, inspected the Guard of Honour, and took the salute at an impressive march past featuring contingents from the Chandigarh Police, Armed Forces, and NCC cadets.
During the event, Administrator Kataria presented commendation certificates to 37 public service employees and citizens recognizing exceptional contributions in public service, social work, sports, art, and culture.
The administration also recognized law enforcement personnel for their dedication, conferring the Administrator’s Police Medal for Distinguished and Meritorious Services on 22 Chandigarh Police personnel. In addition, one member of the Chandigarh Police was honored with the prestigious President’s Police Medal.
Top officials of the Union Territory administration attended the ceremony, including Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad and Director General of Police Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, alongside other senior dignitaries and citizens.
