Jail and tourism minister Sohan Singh Thandal unfurled the national flag at the district-level Republic Day function held at Police Lines here on Monday.
Paying tributes to the freedom fighters, Thandal said it was due to their sacrifices that India achieved full statehood and its people got an opportunity to form their own policies and build the nation of their dreams.
He called upon citizens to cooperate with the government in eliminating caste distinctions, gender inequality and other social vices from the society.
He claimed that under the aegis of SAD-BJP government, the state had witnessed enormous development and due to its initiatives the state has emerged as a great tourist destination.
Thandal honoured personalities who had excelled in various walks of life and distributed tricycles and wheel chairs to the needy.
Contingents of Punjab police, home guards, trainees of PRTC Jahan Khelan, ex-servicemen and students participated in the parade which was led by district superintendent of police, Prabh Singh.
Tableaux depicting development under various departments were displayed. A cultural programme was also presented by school children.