SPEECH OF HON’BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARILAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF CELEBRATION OF 45 YEARS OF FOUNDATION OF RAJASTHAN PARISHAD AT SECTOR 33, CHANDIGARH ON JANUARY 14, 2023

I am indeed delighted to be with you all on this celebration of 45 years of Rajasthan Parishad at Chandigarh.

At the outset, I thank all the founder members who conceived the formation of this society and Bhawan and contributed their efforts, time and raised funds for this dream to shape in reality.

Friends,

Chandigarh City offers a vibrant, cosmopolitan culture where everyday people from diverse walks of life engage and mingle with each other.

This invariable creates a culture milieu that exudes warmth and a unique sense of harmony.

Chandigarh is indeed a mini India where people from different states live in harmony, and a true showcase of India vision of Unity in diversity . All the communities have contributed immensely to the progress of this City beautiful including the Rajasthan Community.

I have a very old association with Rajasthan. I have got the opportunity to see the various forms of life here from close quarters. I have visited all the districts like Bikaner, Churu, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Pali, Sirohi in Mount Abu, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Kota, Bundi, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Nagaur, Alwar and Jaipur etc. and have seen the rainbow nature and culture of Rajasthan.

In the midst of various natural & human challenges and all kinds of difficulties, the people of Rajasthan have always contributed to development. The people here have always enriched life with colors of gaiety by various festivals and fairs. Rajasthanis have also presented the best examples of art and literature.

All are familiar with the story of bravery of the people of Rajasthan. From Prithvi Raj Chauhan, Rana Sanga, Maharana Pratap and Durgadas Rathore to Paramveer Chakra winner Major Shaitan Singh and many martyrs of the Kargil War , there has been such a tradition of countless bravehearts of Rajasthan that every Indian feels proud and thrilled. The stories ofPanna Dhai and Bhama Shah exemplify state loyalty and sacrifice.

Rajasthanis have presented many ideals of peace, harmony and devotion too. In this there are great examples like Garib-Nawaz Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Meera Bai. In those days Meera Bai hailing from a big royal family of Rajasthan considered Saint Ravidas as her spiritual teacher. This presented such an example of equality and harmony for the then society which is relevant even in modern India. Continuing with the tradition of Rajasthan to show the right direction to the Indian society, Shri Har Bilas Sharda made a law in 1929 to end child marriage, which is colloquially called 'Sharda Act'.

All of You have brought along with you rich culture of Rajasthan.

During the last few decades, the Rajasthan Parishad has played an important role in promoting art and culture in tricity and at the same time have been a front runner in conducting various projects of social and charitable activities for the humanitarian needs for the community which is truly remarkable.

I congratulate Sri Bijay Bagri, President, Rajasthan Parishad, office bearers and members fortheir services to society and the state at large.

Friends,

The Tricity has evolved and transformed during last half century. At every stage in its evolution the city has been enriched by the people belonging to different states who came here and made it their home. In this connection, I must say that the contribution of the people of Rajasthan is definitely high.

The peaceful, industrious and professional people from Rajasthan have made handsome contribution in Tricity for social and philanthropic causes. My compliments to you for your wonderful work.

I also appreciate the teachers of Raj Kala Mandir, who are imparting life skills to the aspiring children in their pursuit of dance & music. I have gathered that Martial Arts training is also being imparted to the students which is indeed a welcome initiative!

Ladies and gentlemen,

As a country, our nation has earned attention of global community in terms of our culture, growth, innovation, start-ups and commitment to peace. The world is looking forward to us for our future contribution in science, peace and prosperity. I am confident that in this National Mission, the role of Rajasthani community will be at the front. I am sure with dedicated efforts we can overcome the challenges faced by our nation in terms of poverty, unemployment and growth. Needless to say, I have great expectations from each one of you to think how best you can serve to the nation.

I am confident that Rajasthan Parishad will serve greatly to humanity and nation and wish you all a great success for future endeavours.

Thank You

Jai Hind .