In an unprecedented and landmark initiative, Elected Representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions participated in the 75th Republic Day Celebrations at Kartavya Path, showcasing the unity of the nation’s diverse stakeholders. The participation of Panchayat representatives’ along with their spouse in the iconic Republic Day Parade highlighted the majesty of the country and the might of its people, creating a spectacular confluence at Kartavya Path to ensure widespread people’s participation in the commemoration of this national festival. Around 400 participants from the Panchayats across the country as Special Guest witnessed the grand Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi.
The nation is celebrating its 75th Republic Day with Theme ‘India – Mother of Democracy’ and ‘Viksit Bharat’. This initiative is a testament to the Ministry’s vision of strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions and recognizing their pivotal role in the country’s development. It marks a significant stride towards building a more participatory and inclusive democracy.
Following the Republic Day Parade, the participating Panchayat representatives were felicitated in a befitting manner by Union Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Shri Giriraj Singh and MoS Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil, underlining the significance of the Panchayat’s role in the democratic fabric of the nation. Secretary Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Additional Secretary Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Joint Secretary Smt. Mamta Varma, Economic Adviser, Ministry of Panchayati Raj Dr. Bijaya Kumar Behera, Joint Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officers of the Ministry were also present on the occasion.
Shri Giriraj Singh, addressing the august gathering, called for Panchayats to become self-reliant, contribute to the vision of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) and convene meaningful and well-organized Gram Sabhas six times a year. Emphasizing the importance of attaining the localized sustainable development goals, Union Minister Shri Giriraj Singh exhorted the Panchayat representatives and functionaries to resolutely work towards achieving goals in nine identified thematic areas. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in realizing objectives across thematic areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, livelihood and more.
Addressing the Panchayat representatives, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil urged them to be relentless in their pursuit of excellence, fostering a spirit of dedication, innovation and collaboration. Mentioning today’s Interaction-cum-Felicitation program as a visionary approach aligning with the Government’s commitment to grassroots empowerment and decentralization of development, Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil encouraged Panchayat leaders to act as catalysts for change in their respective Panchayats, working hand-in-hand with local residents and key stakeholders to bring about positive transformations.
Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil said that the 75th Republic Day celebrations will serve as a platform to inspire Panchayat representatives to embrace their role as architects of change in nine identified thematic areas of LSDGs. Shri Patil’s words resonated with a collective commitment to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development and create a lasting impact on the lives of citizens.
The enthusiastic response from Panchayat representatives showcased their commitment to achieving the goals and contributing to the transformative journey of India’s development. Panchayat representatives expressed their gratitude for the honour accorded to them by the Government, fostering a collective resolve to make every Panchayat self-sufficient and strive for excellence in service delivery.
The shared vision is to facilitate the holistic development of villages, leaving no one behind in the pursuit of a developed and inclusive India. Ministry of Panchayati Raj’s historic initiative marks a significant step towards fostering collaboration between the grassroots governance structures and the national leadership, creating a shared vision for the progress and prosperity of the nation.
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