The main function at Katra was held at the Shrine Board's Sports Complex, where Mr. Ramesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, unfurled the tricolor and took salute at an impressive march-past by the contingents drawn from J&K Police, CRPF, NCC, besides the students of various educational institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ramesh Kumar greeted the people on this joyous occasion. Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the CEO said that the Nation owes gratitude to these great leaders who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom from foreign rule. He also paid tribute to the soldiers and security personnel who stand as the guardians to maintain peace and protect the sovereignty of the country. The CEO contended the benefits of many government schemes initiated had now reached the doorsteps of people. He also highlighted the construction of six-lane Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway by which the travel time from Delhi to Vaishno Devi will be reduced to six hours only. Besides, it threw light on development of pilgrimage tourism circuit and PARSAD scheme. Mr. Ramesh Kumar recalled contributions made by Late Sh. H.L. Maini, retired Chief Engineer who conferred with annual UT Awards- 2022 alongwith Rakesh Kumar, Paralympian on the eve of Republic Day as Late Sh Maini served the general public of Jammu and Kashmir along with significantly contributing in the development of critical infrastructure at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, besides, Rakesh Kumar, Para Archer and Olympian in the promotion of Para Sports in Jammu and Kashmir and laurels he brought for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi’s Sports Complex and the Union territory.
He also gave details of various major infrastructure development projects already completed by the Shrine Board, ongoing and those in the pipeline including completion of Durga Bhawan in the present year for facilitation of the pilgrims, besides, steps taken by the Board for mitigation and crowd management by way of effective queue management and identifying more halting spots at Bhawan and Katra. He recalled and appreciated selfless services in general rendered in the COVID-19 by Doctors, Paramedical Staff, Sanitation Workers, Police, Paramilitary Personnel and staff of SMVDSB.
Earlier, the students of various educational institutions presented a colorful scintillating cultural programme on this occasion based on the theme of patriotism and national integration.
On this occasion, Mr. Ramesh Kumar also honored Prof Shiv Nirmohi who has been recently conferred with Padma Shri on Republic Day for his outstanding contribution in the field of literature. He said that his work recognized at the national level would go a long way in spreading Dogra art, heritage, culture and legacy, far and wide.
Mr. Ramesh Kumar gave away prizes and appreciation to the COVID Warriors from various departments, Social Workers and Students who were adjudged best in the march-past and presentation of cultural programme.
Among those present on the occasion were Vimal Indu, President, Municipal Committee, Katra; Abhishek Sharma, SDM, Katra; Amit Bhasin, Addl. SP, Katra; Hem Kant Prasher, Director Finance, SMVDSB; Yad Ram Bunker, Commandant, 6th Bn. CRPF; Dr. Sunil Sharma, Joint CEO; Deepak Dubey, Vishavjeet Singh, Dy. CEOs, SMVDSB, Managers, Engineers and staff of the Shrine Board. Others who participated in the function included Members of Municipal Committee, Katra, Civil, Police and Security Forces Officers, Prominent Citizens, Heads of various Educational Institutions, Media Persons, a large number of people of the area, teachers, school children and the pilgrims.
As part of the Republic Day celebrations, Ramesh Kumar, CEO, SMVDSB, also hoisted the tricolor at the Central Office of the Shrine Board at Katra. Sweets were also distributed among the children on this occasion. The national flag was hoisted by Naresh Kumar, SDM at Bhawan in the presence of CRPF, Police and Shrine Board officers and staff.
