Ceremonial send off given to 28th Governor by officers and staff of Punjab Raj Bhawan
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
The Punjab Governor and Administrator UT Chandigarh, VP Singh Badnore relinquished office here today on completion of his five-year term.
Badnore had taken over as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Union Territory of Chandigarh on August 22, 2016.
In his emotionally charged farewell speech, Badnore said that he would remain indebted to his officers at Punjab Raj Bhavan, Punjab Government and UT Administration for extending full support and cooperation during his five- year tenure as Governor Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh. He thanked the people of Punjab and Chandigarh for their support, love and affection showered upon him during these five years
On the occasion the outgoing Governor got a Coffee Table Book titled The Raj Bhawan Punjab – A Glorious Journey, which includes all the important functions and other details of the Governors of Punjab from 1947 till date, released from the Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and also presented him a copy. Another book titled ‘Punjab Raj Bhawan Mini Rock Garden- A tribute to Padma Nek Chand’ was also presented to the Chief Minister Punjab.
Among the dignitaries present included Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Suresh Kumar, Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan, Principal Secretary to CM Tejveer Singh, Principal Secretary to Governor, J.M. Balamurugan, Advisor to the Administrator, UT Dharampal Home Secretary UT, Arun Guota, MC Commissioner Chandigarh, Anindita Mitra, DGP Chandigarh, Praveen Ranjan and Director Information and Public Relations Punjab Kamal Kishore Yadav besides senior serving and retired officers of Punjab, Haryana and UT Chandigarh.
Badnore and his wife Alka Singh were accorded a ceremonial send off by the officers and staff of Punjab Raj Bhawan.
FAREWELL SPEECH OF OUTGOING GOVERNOR PUNJAB AND ADMINISTRATOR UT CHANDIGARH SH V.P.SINGH BADNORE
“I don’t wish to make a long speech today but would like to recall coming here 5 years ago, I also recall that there was a heavy downpour at my swearing-in ceremony and everybody got wet. All the dignitaries and guests were so wet that they had to leave the function and could not even have the high tea which was organised. But that seemed to be very auspicious. Although we all got wet but it was an unusual and unexpected rain that gave me a great start.
Five years ago I hardly knew anyone in Chandigarh and Punjab but I think now I can definitely claim to know lots of people in Chandigarh and Punjab but also richer with many good friends here.
Five years is a long time in one’s lifetime and my 5 years in Chandigarh and Punjab are not only memorable but have been glorious for me.
As I relinquish office, my association with you all comes to an end but yes, of course with a little tinge of sadness and a rainbow of memories that I will be taking along, leaving this magnificent city beautiful.
In my journey of 5 years the last 2 years were very trying and challenging for the entire world and Chandigarh and Punjab were no exceptions. Together we faced many difficult moments but with the Grace of the Almighty we sailed through. I must say it was a good teamwork. The real concept of Tri City was virtually seen during this Covid crisis, I am happy that I was a part of that.
I don’t want to go into the development side of my tenure, whatever I achieved and whatever I could not achieve, I leave that to you to judge. As development is a continuous affair…it doesn’t stop…there is always a scope for more.
I am thankful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narender Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for having given me an opportunity to serve the state of Punjab, the land of saints and sages. He could have put me anywhere, in any of the smaller or larger states but sending me to Punjab, a border state that too along with UT Chandigarh, meant a lot to me.
I feel privileged & blessed to have been in Punjab especially at the auspicious occasions of celebrations of the 550th Pakash Purb of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji & 400th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji and 350th Parkash Parv of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji which taught me the valuable lesson of Nam Japo, Kirt Karo and Wand Chakko and remain in CHARDI KALA during my years ahead and wish you all the same.
I would like to acknowledge my deep gratitude and appreciation to each of my officers and staff at Punjab Raj Bhavan and Chandigarh Administration and Punjab Government officers for having worked with me day and night with passion and commitment giving me full support. I owe you all for my unblemished tenure as the Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT Chandigarh.
I want to thank the people of Punjab and Chandigarh for generously showering love and blessings and also bestowing faith in me during my extremely memorable and fulfilling term.
With all humility at my command, with a sense of gratitude and a prayer in my heart, I take leave of you. I am leaving with a sense of fulfilment and happiness of having served the people of this state through this institution to the best of my ability.”
(With inputs from Jaswant Singh Puri)
August 30,2021
