SPEECH OF HON'BLE GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR, UT CHANDIGARH, SHRI BANWARI LAL PUROHIT ON THE OCCASION OF CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE ART FESTIVAL KALA KUMBH AT CHANDIGARH ON JANUARY 2, 2022

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is indeed a pleasure to be at “Kala Kumbh”, the art workshop dedicated to Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.

This Mahotsav is dedicated to the people of India who have not only been instrumental in bringing India this far in its evolutionary journey but also hold within them the power and potential to enable Prime Minister Modi ji’s vision of activating India 2.0(two point ‘o’).

Nationwide series of events are being organized to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence. This Mahotsav is now a Jan-Utsav, being celebrated in the spirit of Jan-Bhagidari throughout the length and breadth of the country.

I have been informed that the week-long workshop organized by the National Gallery of Modern Art, here at Chandigarh, has brought together over 250 artists from across the country- to paint the part of the 750 meter long scroll, depicting the heroic lives and struggles of unsung heroes of India’s freedom movement.

This, I gather, has been through diverse art forms of India, forming a unique amalgamation of traditional and modern, while portraying the struggles of unsung heroes of India’s freedom movement. I laud the initiative of Ministry of Culture and appreciate the efforts of the National Gallery of Modern Art in organizing this event and of course Chitkara University for supporting it!

Friends,

It is very important to celebrate the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is the elixir of energy of independence. It is the elixir of inspirations from the warriors of freedom struggle; the elixir of new ideas and pledges and the nectar of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The Prime Minister of India has often emphasized that this is an opportune time to set our eyes on 2047 when the country will celebrate 100 years of independence. It is at that time that the current generation will be at the helm of affairs and the nation's destiny will be in their hands.

Therefore, it is important to decide what we must inculcate in them now so that they will be able to make big contributions in the future towards the country.

Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav will sow the seed of a sense of duty among the youth. The current generation is fired with the motivation to create a new future. But it must be remembered that the future is always borne in the lap of the past. It is in this light that we must not forget our forefathers who have sacrificed their youth, their lives and their families for the country.

We must not leave any stone unturned to pay respect to our freedom fighters and unsung heroes of the freedom movement.

Participants of this workshop have in a very unique and enticing way have depicted the struggle for freedom. Dr. Rukmani Devi Arundale said and I quote, “When you hear the sound of music or see the colors in a beautiful picture, you not only hear the music or see the picture; you see into the very soul of the artists and even more you see the soul of art itself.” So, the Pictorial presentation, the presentation of the flavor of patriotism through paint and brush I guess will have an incredible impression.

Last month, I happened to visit the Museum and Memorial built in the memory of Shaheed-e – Azam Bhagat Singh in SBS Nagar. I also got the opportunity to pay homage at Hussaniwala National Martyrs Memorial at Ferozepur. Visiting these sites filled my heart with pride and my head bows to sung and unsung heroes of freedom struggle, with reverence. We, my friends, did not get the opportunity to DIE for the country. But, today we have got the opportunity to LIVE for our country.

So, let us rekindle a sense of patriotism in our youth and toil and labor hard so that Atam-Nirbhar Bharat be an outshining example before the world.

On this New Year, let every person, every family, every home, every institution, every organization, every city and every village of the country resolve to fix some goals towards ‘Ek Bharat-Shresht Bharat.’

Congratulations to everyone once again for successfully organizing this event. And please don’t lower your guard… Covid-19 pandemic is yet not over. Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!

Thank you

Jai Hind !