Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chandigarh on Friday, where he presented several significant gifts to the city and its residents. During his address, the Prime Minister expressed a deep sense of joy and emotional connection with the people of Chandigarh. He emphasized that Chandigarh isn't merely a city but has evolved into a definitive model for the country's overall development. Known for its systematic urban planning and superior lifestyle, Chandigarh stands out as a beacon of progress in modern India. The Prime Minister noted that the city's growth has always been a priority for the NDA government, further enhanced by the spiritual blessings of Maa Chandi, which defines the identity of this vibrant city.
A Hub for Medical Excellence and Regional Growth
The Prime Minister highlighted that Chandigarh's identity is deeply rooted in its exceptional medical facilities. He described the city as a massive hub for healthcare services catering to the entire northern region. According to PM Modi, the development of Chandigarh doesn't just transform the lives of its local residents but also provides immense benefits to the people of neighboring states, including Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir, while he noted that the city serves as a vital link connecting these regions, making its progress essential for the collective growth of Northern India. Before arriving in Chandigarh, the Prime Minister was in Jind, Haryana, and he mentioned his upcoming visit to Jalandhar for development projects in Punjab, placing Chandigarh at the heart of this regional development circuit.
Pioneering Legal Reforms: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
In his address, PM Modi reminded the citizens that about one and a half years ago, the country underwent a massive reform in its judicial system. The government replaced the old penal codes with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, marking a shift from punishment-based laws to justice-based legal systems, while he proudly stated that the implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita began right here in Chandigarh. This pioneering role in legal reform underscores the city's importance in the national administrative framework and reflects the NDA government's commitment to modernizing India's legal landscape starting from its most organized urban centers.
Commitment to Swachh Bharat and Local Heroes
The Prime Minister spoke extensively about the role of cleanliness in health and the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission since its launch in 2014. He recalled how the mission led to the construction of millions of toilets, making the country open defecation-free and initiating massive cleanliness drives in public spaces, while pM Modi praised Chandigarh for its consistent efforts in the Swachh Bharat rankings and emphasized that cleanliness must become a way of life. He specifically lauded the efforts of Inderjeet Singh Sidhu, a retired IPS officer from Chandigarh known as the Broom Warrior. Sidhu has ignited a new spark for cleanliness in the city and inspired many, for which the government honored him with the Padma award this year, while the Prime Minister concluded by highlighting that Chandigarh is a unique city where major institutions related to education, engineering, medical science, and research coexist, making it a powerhouse of knowledge and innovation.