According to an official notice released by the Punjab government on Monday, all schools in the state would be closed on January 27 to commemorate Republic Day. The announcement follows a declaration by Punjab’s Chief Minister and applies to all government, aided, recognised, and private schools in the state.
The decree was issued by the Government of Punjab’s School Education Department and is effective immediately. According to the announcement, the department has directed all relevant authorities and institutions to ensure strict compliance with the instructions.
Earlier in the day, addressing on the 77th Republic Day, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann underlined that, despite Punjab’s tremendous contributions to the country, the state remained the only one without its own capital. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Man told the people of Hoshiarpur that his government will work tirelessly to secure Chandigarh as Punjab’s capital.
He quoted, “Despite making the greatest sacrifices for the country, Punjab is the only state in India that does not have its own capital. On this Republic Day, I would also like to say that we will put in our best efforts for Punjab and its capital, Chandigarh. We will do whatever is necessary.”
Mann’s statement emphasises the long-standing question of Chandigarh’s status, which is now a joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. He has been vociferous about Punjab’s rights and has pushed the issue with the Centre, claiming that the state has been treated unfairly.
Meanwhile, during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path, Punjab’s tableau was dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru, also known as Hind Di Chadar for his supreme sacrifice in defence of human conscience, religious liberty, and justice.
India’s Republic Day celebrates the adoption of the Constitution in 1950, which marked the country’s transition to a republic. The parade, held annually on January 26 at Kartavya Path in New Delhi, is organised by the Ministries of Defence and Culture and has been a tradition since the inaugural commemoration in 1950. This year’s procession focused on the sesquicentennial of Vande Mataram, combining historical commemoration with artistic and martial pride.
