Haryana Day: Celebrating Haryana’s contribution to Indian Army, sports and India’s industrialization

Haryana, once recognized by the sandy and kekar forests, is now 52 years old. Regardless of the fact that Haryana accounts for just 1.37 percent of the total Indian geographical area, the state has set new records of progress with hard work & commitment.

The first thing which in previous years came to mind about Haryana was probably a land where Khap Panchayats worked as quasi-judicial bodies pronouncing harsh punishments based on age-old customs and traditions, often bordering on regressive measures to modern problems. And if not that, it was recognised as a place where everyone was into farming or engaged in milking cows for sure.

But today’s Haryana is much more than the previous notions and it now is progessing in all the aspects.

Haryana, the name has been derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Hari’ (the Hindu God Vishnu) and ‘Ayana’ (home), meaning “the Abode of God”. The North Indian state surrounds Delhi on 3 sides and shares its capital, Chandigarh with Punjab. Chandigarh is known for its modernist buildings and grid-like street plan designed by Swiss architect, Le Corbusier.

Haryana is often referred to as ‘Texas’, in the Indian Army, which in the United States is famously known as the recruiter-state of maximum armed forces. Haryana, with just 2.09% of the total population of the country, is the second largest contributor as far as army recruitment is concerned. According to reports, Haryana stands second with 107 cadets, only to Uttar Pradesh producing 150 cadets having a population share of 16.49% in the country.

Talking of sports, the might of Haryanvi sportspersons is a well-known fact and this is the reason why the state is considered to be the sports nursery of the country. The reason behind Haryana’s prowess in the sports can be traced out in its culture itself wherein indulging in sports, is a part of lifestyle.

Their proficiency can also be traced out in the fact that during 60’s & 70’s when hundreds of Haryanvi’s joined the army and paramilitary forces to support their family financially, a many became national and international athletes with military furtherance.

In 2018 Commonwealth Games held at Gold Coast, Australia, out of the 66 medals bagged by the country, 24 medals went Haryana’s tally. If the state would’ve been a separate country it would have comfortably secured the 8th spot in medal tally.

Along with sporting expertise, Haryana has made its mark in the field of beauty pageants too with Manushi Chillar being crowned as Miss World 2017.

Some facts which tell Haryana’s development story are:

In May 2018, Government of Haryana signed 10 memorandum of understanding (MoUs) with UK for various projects of around Rs 1,500 crore (US$ 232.74 million). The merchandise exports from Haryana reached USD 13.3 billion in FY18. Amazon, the Seattle-headquartered e-commerce company that operates as an online marketplace, opened its 22nd fulfillment centre in Sonipat, Haryana.

Gurugram has emerged as a preferred destination for the IT industry in North India, with more than 400 IT and ITeS companies. Haryana aggressively promotes organic farming; financial assistance is provided to farmers for production and use of vermicompost. Total foodgrain production in Haryana in 2017-18 was 17.48 million tonnes.

With Antyodaya SARAL Yojana which provides 400+ government to citizen schemes & services in a transparent & platform, Haryana has showcased its digital proficiency too.

Under ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ initiative the state has shown phenomenal improvement in female Sex Ratio. According to 2018 reports, the ratio was 922 females per 1000 reaching highest in the state’s history.

The above cited examples clearly goes on to show how well the state is breaking its stereotypical framework and emerging as a powerhouse in the country. Today on its 52nd establishment birthday, the state appears full of positivity.