Chandigarh, Aug 15 (IANS): Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator V.P. Singh Badnore on Wednesday flagged off a rally to generate awareness against drugs and paid homage to the martyrs as he launched the Independence Day celebrations in the state here.

Badnore flagged off the bike rally of the Riders for Awareness and Welfare Club from the Raj Bhavan as they pledged to make Punjab a Drug-Free State.

He visited the War Memorial and later proceeded to the Independence Day celebrations venue here to hoist the national flag. He took the salute from various contingents of the police and NCC cadets.

Addressing a gathering, Badnore remembered the martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation.

Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki hoisted the flag at Yamunanagar.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh unfurled the tricolour at a state-level function in Ludhiana town, while Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar unfurled the flag in Hisar town.