Â Government Degree College Akhnoor celebrated National Integration Day here on Saturday.

In her inspirational address, Dr. Kaushal Samotra, Principal of College, who presided over the function, reinvented the role and contribution of late Mrs. Gandhi in nation building and national integration. She said Indira ji is not only remembered for her extra-ordinary courage, vision and dynamism that empowered India at large but also as a role model for women especially in Indian sub-continent. She advised the students and youth especially girls which make over 70 per cent of students’ population in college to follow the footsteps of Mrs. Gandhi.  

Appreciating the centuries old tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood in India, the speakers underlined the need of preserving its rich cultural heritage and unity. India is an ideal home of world’s almost all religions, cultures, ethnicities, it is a sacred symbol of secularism and Unity in Diversity, we have to preserve it for sustainable peace and development, said  Prof. Reena Bhagat, Head Department of English.   Slogans like “United we stand, divided we fall”, “sare Jahan se acha Hindustan hamara.....muzhab nahion sikatha aapus main bair rakhna” and “Hndu, Muslim, Sikh, Esai, sab hain apus main bhai bhai”  gave emotional touch to the event.
Speaking to her peers, Pooja Choudhary a B.sc 2nd year student said maintaining the communal harmony, bridging the gaps between communities, regions, rich and poor, and fighting corruption and eradicating illiteracy are the real tasks ahead for youth to make India a prosperous and developed nation.  
Dr. M. Ashaq Malik, Officer In-charge, Red Cross Unit at College, advocated for introduction of Peace Education at all levels to keep the new generation intact with older best practices of peace, tolerance, non-violence and co-existence.

A large number of students and staff members attended this programme. Prominent among others present on the occasion were Prof. Rajni Bhagat, Prof. Nirlape Kour, Prof. Neeru Sahney and Prof. Sapna Sharma.