j&k COMMEMORATED THE 78TH INDEPENDENCE DAY FOLLOWED by a series of events, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and tributes to the freedom fighters WHO LAID DOWN THEIR LIVES TO ACHIEVE FREEDOM FROM BRITISH RULERS.
On eve of 78th Independence Day Streets in Srinagar were decorated with tricolour lights, showcasing the area’s enthusiasm for Independence Day.Once a centre of separatist activity, Srinagar is now symbolising its integration with the rest of India. The removal of Article 370 has led to enhanced security, a boost in tourism, and a greater sense of unity among the people of Kashmir.
A festive spirit reigns in Kashmir ahead of Independence Day with several ‘Tiranga’ rallies being organised and tricolour fluttering proudly from key buildings. The rallies were being taken out in the valley under the Centre’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign
The day was celebrated with a renewed sense of patriotism and solidarity across Kashmir, with the main function held at Bakshi Stadium, here to honor this historic occasion reflecting the rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit of the Kashmiri people.
The day was marked by a series of events, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and tributes to the freedom fighters who have shaped the nation’s journey held across all the districts. Apart from the main function, the celebrations were held in all districts where the District Development Council (DDC) Chairman/ Chairperson hoisted the tricolour and addressed the participants.This year’s celebrations hold particular significance, with ‘Swachhta Pakhwada,’ a fortnight-long cleanliness campaign launched by the Government of India under the Swachh Bharat Mission, held to accelerate efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage. Plantation drives were organized under the theme ‘Ek Ped Shaheedon Ke Naam’ to pay rich tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, and Tiranga Rallies were also held as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.
The celebrations were also held at Deputy Commissioner’s Office Anantnag where the National Flag was hoisted by DC Anantnag SF.Hamid. Similar functions were also held at Sub Divisional Headquarters, Tehsil Headquarters and Community Development blocks and various other public offices.
In Baramulla, the main Independence Day 2024 function was held at Showkat Ali Sports Stadium, Baramulla. Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC), Safina Baigh, ceremoniously hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute during the March Past.The Parade comprised contingents from BSF, CRPF, J&K police, Sashastra Seema Bal, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, NCC cadets from Govt. Degree College Baramulla, Boys’ Higher Secondary Baramulla and various schools and colleges.
In a similar function organized at DC Office Complex, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa hoisted the tricolor and took the salute during the ceremony. In presence of ADDC, ACR, CPO, DIO, and other district officers and officials.Meanwhile, Independence Day functions were also organized with enthusiasm and fervor at Sub-divisions Sopore, Pattan, Uri, Tangmarg and Tehsil levels where the concerned authorities hoisted the tri-color.
In Budgam, the Independence Day 2024 was celebrated with full zeal and patriotic fervour across the District Budgam today.The main function was held at Sports Stadium Budgam, where Chairman DDC Budgam, Nazir Ahmad Khan hoisted the National flag and took salute at the march-past parade.Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo; SSP Budgam, Nikhil Borkar; ADDC, ADC, ASP and all other District and Sectoral officers participated in this festive event.Officers from Army and Paramilitary Forces were also present on the occasion.
The contingents of CRPF, JKP, IRP, JKAP, JKHG, NCC and school contingents from different schools also participated in the march-past parade.Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo also hoisted the National Flag at DC Office and extended his greetings to the people of Budgam.In Ganderbal, the 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at Qamaria Stadium Ganderbal today.The event was marked by the hoisting of the National Flag by the District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Nuzhat Ishfaq, who also took the salute during an impressive march-past presented by contingents from the JKP, CRPF, SSB, PTS Manigam, Home Guards, SPO Ganderbal, and students from various schools.A vibrant cultural program followed, featuring patriotic songs and traditional folk dances performed by students.
In Kupwara, the main Independence day function was held at District Police Lines (DPL) Kupwara where Chairman District Development Council Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at March-past which was presented by contingents of CRPF, Women battalion of JKP, IRP, JKP, Home Guards, FPF, Special Commandos of police, NCC Cadets and school children.
District administration in collaboration with social forestry department Kupwara organized a plantation drive under the theme “Ek Ped Shaheedo Ke Naam” during the Independence Day event to honour the martyrs while contributing to environmental conservation, which served as a powerful tribute, symbolizing the growth and prosperity that the sacrifices of martyrs have made possible.
Awards were also given to various Officers, officials, students and citizens for their good work.Similar functions were also held at Handwara, Lolab sub division, Karnah sub division, where concerned heads ADC hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at march past
Similar celebrations were also held at all Tehsil, block Headquarters, Panchayats and Education institutions of the district.In Kulgam, the main function was held at District Police Lines Kulgam where Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march past presented by the contingents of CRPF, JKP, JKP Ladies Police Group, District police band and Home guard, NCC besides school children and other contingents.Flag hoisting were also held at Blocks, tehsils level, health institutes, Municipalities, Panchayats, schools, colleges and all other institutions and departments.In Bandipora, a grand event was held at S.K. Stadium to commemorate Independence Day, where Chairperson District Development Council, Abdul Gani Bhat hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute from the march-past.
Besides Deputy Commissioner, Shakeel ul Rehman and Sr. Superintendent of Police Lakshay Sharma, the Independence Day celebrations witnessed the participation of all the senior officers of the civil and police administration, DDC members, other public representatives, and a large gathering of the general publicThe day was further enriched by cultural performances that highlighted rich heritage and diverse traditions. From traditional dance performances to evocative patriotic songs, the celebrations offered a platform for showcasing local talent and fostering a sense of pride among residents.
In addition to the main event, Independence Day was celebrated across various parts of the district, with schools, Panchayats, and government offices hosting their own events. These included flag hoisting ceremonies, educational programmes, and public gatherings that emphasized the spirit of national unity.
