Ludhiana: Deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain inspected the full dress rehearsal for the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) grounds, ensuring administrative and security preparations are complete ahead of the main event on August 15.The district-level event will feature Punjab finance, planning, programme implementation, taxation and excise, and transport minister Harpal Singh Cheema as the chief guest, who will hoist the national tricolour. During the rehearsal, the deputy commissioner presided over the ceremony, unfurled the flag, and took the salute from participating contingents—including the Punjab Police (men and women), Punjab Home Guard, and NCC scouts—led by parade commander PPS officer Harshpreet Singh.The march past was followed by a mass physical training (PT) display and patriotic cultural performances presented by students from various govt and private educational institutions.Following the parade, DC Himanshu Jain convened a departmental review meeting at the stadium to issue final directives to officials. Stated that Independence Day is a national festival where no administrative lapses will be tolerated, he emphasised inter-departmental coordination, seamless execution, and timely completion of all pending logistical arrangements to ensure a dignified celebration.
