Independence Day celebrated with gaiety in Udhampur

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Aug 15: Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety throughout Udhampur district by various political, social, cultural organisations, educational and other institutions today. The main highlights of the programmes were hoisting of National Flag, singing of patriotic songs and pledge to maintain unity, integrity of the nation and making it a strong country.

District Congress Committee, Udhampur took out parbhat pheries from Adarsh Colony to Bhagat Singh Park Dabbar where DCC chief Mr Balak Ram hoisted National Flag and while addressing a large gathering called upon the people to maintain peace and communal harmony. He said every citizen should be vigilant at this crucial moment and assist the administration to frustrate the evil designs of our enemy.

District Youth Congress, Udhampur organised an impressive function to hoist the Tricolour on the occasion of 54th Independence Day in Shiv Nagar, here today. Mr Surinder, president of District Youth Congress threw light on this auspicious day. He appealed the gun wielding youth to shun path of violence and join the national mainstream. He cautioned the people against forces from across the border which are out to disintegrate our nation.

Urban Development Society held a colourful function at Lal Chowk here today to celebrate the Independence Day. Mr Ajay Mahajan, president, Urban Development Society organised it and Mr Rakesh Gupta unfurled National Flag and asked the youth to beware of ugly designs of ISI on the name of jehad. Unitedly fight the Pak sponsored militancy, he added.

District Congress Committee SC and ST Cell and District Youth Congress Labour Cell jointly celebrated at Jakhani Park where Girdhari Lal Basnotra hoisted National Flag and called upon the people to work unitedly and fight against all social evils which have spread like cancer in the society. Mr DN Raina, DDC vice-president stressed for discipline and patriotism.

All India Rajiv Gandhi Brigade at a function hoisted Tricolour at Saheed Bhagat Singh Park here today under the presidentship of Mr Dewaker Kalsotra. Other leaders of the Brigade were also present. Sweets were distributed among the gathering.

Civil Defence Wardens, Udhampur organised an impressive function in connection with the Independence Day celebrations here today. Deputy Controller, Civil Defence Mr P N Pandita congratulated the wardens for arranging this function. On the occasion, the wardens vowed to serve the society fearlessly and selflessly.

Congress Seva Dal workers celebrated the 54th Independence Day with enthusiasm under the chairmanship of Mr Vijay Sanson who called upon the people to maintain communal amity and peace. He asked them to unitedly fight the nefarious designs of the neighbouring country.

Congress Seva Dal at another function held under chairmanship of Mr Anil Pachiala, district chairman, celebrated the Independence Day by hoistingNational Flag. The speakers stressed upon misguided youth to shun path of violence and join the mainstream and utilise their energies for development of the nation and upliftment of poor and down-trodden. The gun culture has yielded nothing but caused untold miseries to the people, it added. J&K National Conference, Udhampur organised a function to celebrate the Independence Day at which Mr C L Khajuria, MLC and vice president of J&K National Conference hoisted the National Flag at party headquarters here today. He praised the people and the security forces who stood bravely and unitedly against evil designs of our enemies across the border. He asked the people to strengthen the hands of Dr. Farooq Abdullah to crush militancy in the State. Others who attended the function included: Ch Mohd Shafi, district president, NC, Rajesh Gupta, BB Sharma, Viajy Khajuria Sunil Verma Amina Begum.

Udhampur Development Society , a Non-Governmental Organisation, organised a function near Pandav Mandir here today to celebrate Independence Day. Mr Sunil Kapoor, chairman, UDS, appealed the misguided youth to shun path of death and destruction to join national mainstream.

JAKFAS painting camp
Colours & brush bring out human impulse for peace

Excelsior Special Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 15: " Peace for Jammu and Kashmir " was theme of a special painting camp organised by the J&K Fine Arts Society (JAKFAS) on the occasion of 54th Independence Day here today. Leading young artists took part in it and prepared their art works depicting the yearnings of the masses for peace in the trouble-torn Jammu and Kashmir State.

Mr Suresh Sharma, general secretary of J&K Fine Arts Society, told EXCELSIOR that the objective of the camp was to highlight the inner urge of the militancy-hit people for peace through the medium of colours and brush. The superb paintings done by the artists portrayed on the canvas beautifully the theme of peace and harmony.

Mr Sharma asserted " the JAKFAS artists dip their brushes in their own souls to depict it on canvas". And during the camp, the artists are doing exactly this thing and expressing strong urge for peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

One oil painting depicted the silent and sad nature as well as a grey-haired man " disturbed" at the prevailing violence sponsored from across the border. Another art piece done today` spoke’ about desolation over the death and destruction in the State but with a ray of hope for return of tranquilty. Another painting highlighted the traditional communal amity prevailing in this part of the country. By and large these art pieces eloquently speak about urgent need for peace and progress.

The general secretary, JAKFAS stated that these paintings will be put on for public exhibition latter on, may be on Gandhi Jayanti Day.

The talented artists who participated in the day-long painting session included: Messrs Suresh Sharma, Ajay Gupta, Vinay Khajuria, Rohit Verma, Sham Lal Sharma, Sarvesh Sharma, Chander Shekhar, Kamal Sharma, Om Parkash Buria and Parveen Singh. The J&K Fine Art Society, a group of contemporary artists, is engaged in promotion of fine art of painting among the people. It is imparting training to young boys and girls at it premises located in Exchange Road, Jammu. JAKFAS, established in 1994, has been doing its bit in popularising the art and culture in the State.

VDC members foil militants attempt

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Aug 15: The alert Village Defence Committee (VDC) members of village Bain today foiled militants’ attempt to attack the village.

According to a press release issued by a local BJP leader, a local lady today spotted three militants roaming the village. She immediately informed the VDC members who immediately rushed to the spot and found militants hiding a religious place. They attacked the militants but militants managed to escape due to the darkness.

Various educational institutions celebrate
I-Day with enthusiasm

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 15: The millennium’s first Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety by various Government schools and other educational institutions. The highlights of the programmes were hoisting of National Flag, singing of patriotic songs and National Anthem.

An impressive function was held at Sainik School Nagrota to commemorate the Independence Day celebration. The cadets marched to the tune of school band with zeal reflecting the attributes of future pongo and deliberating a loud and clear message that the independent India is an exemplary figure in the world scenario.

Colonel K L Yadav, Principal Sainik School, Nagrota took the salute and in his message to the cadets, he exhorted the dire need of the citizens to shirk off complacency and comprehend the blatant issues to overcome the socio-economic teething problems.

On the culmination of the parade, the tiny tots of Chinar Primaries Bal Bhawan of Sainik School, Nagrota also marched with their chest high and later presented a colorful cultural programme depicting the integrity, love and valour for the motherland.

Mrs Suman Sahni, Headmistress extended vote of thanks to Colonel K L Yadav for presiding the function.

Guru Harikrishan Public School, Nanak Nagar celebrated the 54th Independence Day with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm. Prof Ranbir Singh, vice-chairman of the School managing committee was the chief guest on the occasion.

The function began with the hoisting of the National Flag followed by various cultural programme and speeches which highlighted the importance of the Day for every Indian. Prof Singh greeted the students and teachers and distributed sweets among them.

The School also participated in the main function held at Mini-Stadium at Parade Ground by sending three contigents comprising school band, cultural troops and march past.

The staff and students of Government Higher Secondary School, R S Pura celebrated the Independence Day with great pomp and show. The National Tri-colour was hoisted by Mr Karan Singh Samyal, Principal of the School. The NCC troops displayed march past.

Principal of the School delivered a speech highlighting the sacrifices made by the great leaders to set free the country from the British Rule. He said that all of us should be ready to sacrifice for the Mother India.

Government High School, Paloura celebrated the 54th Independence Day with great enthusiasm. The National Flag was unfurled by the senior staff member Mr V R Baru. The students of the school displayed various cultural programme and sung National Anthem. Mr Baru spoke on the occasion highlighting sacrifices of the great leaders and stressed for unity and national integration.

The millennium’s first Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety at Government R S M Higher Secondary School, Rahya, Samba. The Principal of the School Mr S S Jamwal hoisted the National Flag. Students delivered speeches about the importance of the Day and displayed various cultural programmes. Mr Jamwal while speaking on the occasion stressed on the need of national integration and brotherhood to defeat the nefarious design of enemy.

The 54th Independence Day was celebrated in the premises of Government Girls High School, Shama Chak with great enthusiasm. The National Tri-colour was hoisted by Mr Suraj Singh Manhas, second master. The speakers highlighted the importance of this day and appealed to the people to maintain communal harmony to frustrate the nefarious designs of enemy.

Government Higher Secondary School, Ghou Manhasan celebrated the millennium’s first Independence Day in which students of the school presented various cultural programmes. The Principal of the School Mr V K Kapoor unfurled the National Flag.

The 54th Independence day was celebrated with gaiety and great enthusiasm in the premises of Sainik Public School, Sainik Colony, Jammu. The tri-colour was hoisted by Thakur Jai Singh, Chairman Sainik Cooperative House Building Society Ltd. A variety of cultural and integration programme were presented by the school children. Besides, National Anthem, march past, patriotic songs, integration skits, qawali, Ladakhi songs and impressive speeches delivered by the kids.

Government High School(Boys), Selmarhi, Udhampur on the eve of 54th Independence Day organised various cultural programmes in the school premises. The programme started with the hoisting of National Flag by Head Master Mr Mansa Ram. The function concluded with the singing of National Anthem.

Bharatiya Vidya Mandir celebrated the 54th I-Day with great enthusiasm and traditional gaiety. The Principal Mr Sameer Saproo unfurled the National Tri-colour amidst singing of National Anthem by the students. Mr Ashok, Sangatha Mantree Bharatiya Shiksha Samiti was the chief guest on the occasion. The students also presented various cultural programme.

Government Higher Secondary School, Jourian, Akhnoor celebrated the millennium’s first I-Day with great pomp and show. Various cultural items were presented by the students and staff members. The national flag was unfurled by the Principal of the School.

A colorful programme was organised in the premises of Government Higher Secondary School for Boys, Ramgarh on the eve of 54th Independence Day. The National Tri-colour was hoisted by Principal Mr Gurdeep Singh. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Singh highlighted the importance of the day and said that it was all due to the sacrifices of our great leaders that we are living in the Independent country. He asked the students to follow the path shown by the leaders and work for the upliftment of the country.

Government Higher Secondary School, Bhalwal celebrated the 54th Independence Day with patriotic fervor in the school premises. Principal of the School Mrs Kanta Kapoor unfurled the National Tri-color and highlighted the importance of the day.

A colorful cultural function was organised by the students and staff members of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Shastri Nagar on the eve of 54th Independence Day. Mrs Sheela Safaya, Principal of the school unfurled the National Flag and asked the students to develop a spirit of patriotism and work with zeal and dedication to make this country to march ahead in all spheres of life. She said that it was due to the efforts of our great leaders that we are able to broke the shackles of British rule and become independent.

The function concluded with the singing of National Anthem.

Independence Day was celebrated with pomp and show at Government Higher Secondary School, Gurah Slathia and the National Flag was hoisted by Principal Mr V K Nanda. The Principal also took salute of different contingents of NCC boys and girls of the school. A colourful cultural programme was highlight of the day. Sweets were distributed among all the participantds and the students.

Vidya Jyoti Model High School, Indira Colony, Janipura management committee and school students celebrated the Independence Day with enthusiasm. The Tricolour was hoisted by Mr M R Kandley (KAS). Sweets were distributed among the participants.

Millennium’s first I-Day celebrated with gaiety by
various committees, associations

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 15: The 54th Independence Day was celebrated by various social organisations, mohalla committee and employees organisation with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm.

The 54th Independence Day was celebrated today in Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu in which staff members alongwith their family members participated. Dr B L Koul, Director Regional Research Laboratory unfurled the National Flag which was followed by National Anthem.

Jammu and Kashmir Samaj Sudhar Committee unfurled the National Flag at Below Gumat Chowk, Sunjwam, Satwari, Gandhinagar, Panjthirthi, Janipur, R S Pura, Akhnoor, Nagrota, Tallab Tillo, City Chowk, Raghunath Bazar, Gujjar Nagar, Katra, Rajouri, Sunderbani, Poonch, Udhampur, Doda, Batote and Ramban etc to mark the 54th Independence Day. The party workers delivered their speeches and stressed for unity and national integration to fight against the militancy in the State.

Mr Saleem Ahmed, Superintendent of Central Jail, Jammu today hoisted the National Flag in the Jail premises to mark the celebration of millennium’s first Independence Day.

Lions Club, Jammu Greater celebrated I-Day and Raksha Bandhan festival in the company of inmates of Ved Mandir Jammu, where they distributed sweet and fruits amongst the orphan children. Students also presented various cultural programmes. Among others who were present on the occasion included Rajiv K Gupta, Surinder Bansal, Ashok Gupta, Vipin Bhasin and K S Sahi, president of Lions Club Jammu Greater.

State Cultural Society-a unit of Yug Nirman Sanstha today held a function at Main Park, Ambadkar Bhawan, Resham Ghar Colony in connection with the celebration of Independence Day. The National Tri-colour was hoisted by Mr Krishan Lal Bakshi—a prominent social worker of Colony.

President Mr Sat Dev Sethi and Mr Suman Sharma, general secretary Yug Nirman Sanstha highlighted the importance of the I-Day.

National State Government Employees Federation held a flag hoisting ceremony on the eve of India’s 54th Independence Day. The National Tri-colour was hoisted by prominent social and trade unionist Mr Suman Sharma.

On the eve of Independence Day, Paloura Welfare Association unfurled the National Flag by Mr Balbir Singh Manhas, president of the Association. Mr Manhas said that it was due to the efforts of our great leaders that we are able to broke the shackles of British rule and become independent. He said that we should work for the development of the country and maintain strict vigil against the forces which are bent upon to disturb the peaceful atmosphere.

The children participated in the large number and sung patriotic songs.

JK Tourism Development Corporation Employees/Workers celebrated the 54th I-Day with pomp and show. The National Flag was unfurled by General Manager JKTDC Mr S C Dutta in the premises of TRC, Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dutta appealed to the employees to work for the betterment of the Corporation.

Panun Bachpan—an organisation of Kashmiri children in exile-today organised an impressive programme to celebrate the I-Day. Mr Vir Ji Bhat, a noted social activist was the chief guest and master Himalay presided over the function.

Speaking on the occasion, Master Himalay laid stress on the Kashmiri children in exile to be disciplined, dutiful and high morale. He stressed upon the children to understand their duty towards their community in exile. He reminded the gathering of the role played by their ancestors in enriching the Indian culture and their sacrifices in freeing the nation from the British rule.

The programme was culminated by singing the National Anthem.

To mark the I-Day, Trikuta Cyber Cafe conducted an I-Day related slogan contest giving away three prizes—First, Second and Third to the winners, The winners would be entitled 8.5 and 3 hours respectively foresee access for internet surfing in the Cafe. The first prize went to Ms Yasmeen Rauf. The slogan selected was "to die for your country is to live for ever". Other selected slogan were "work hard and think high, nation definitely is going to go high" and Mera Watan Hindustan, Teri Zami Janat Nisha, Tuney Mujeh Sab Kuch Diya, Kaise Karun Tera Shukeria".

All J&K PHE Employees Union organised a function to celebrate the I-Day. The National Flag was hoisted by Mr Dhan Raj Badgotra, state president of Janata Dal (Secular) and was presided over by Mr Moulvi Muneer Ahmed, president of the Union.

Young Blood Association celebrated the millennium’s first I-Day at Tallab Tillo, Dr S P Vaid, DIG Jammu-Kathua range was the chief guest who hoisted the National Flag. Mr M A Anjum, SSP Jammu was the guest of honour on the occasion. Mr J K Misri, DySP was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Vaid asked the people to be vigilant to defeat the nefarious design of enemies. He also appealed to the people to remain united and maintain communal harmony.

Trikuta Nagar Welfare Society celebrated the I-day in a impressive function organised under the chairmanship of its president Mr R D Gupta. National Flag was unfurled and National Anthem was sung by those present on the occasion. Mr Gupta highlighted the importance of the day and impressed upon the gathering to follow the footsteps of their great leaders who laid down their lives for the sake of mother land.

Dogra Sadar Sabha celebrated the I-Day with gaiety and patriotic fervor. The National Flag was unfurled by Th Gulchain Singh Charak amidst the chanting of National Anthem and patriotic songs. He while speaking on the occasion highlighted the importance of the day with special references to the sacrifices rendered by the our great leaders in attaining the independence from the foreign yoke.

He stressed upon the people to carry out their concerted activities for up-holding the integrity of the country and ensuring their all round progress.

Mr Prem Sagar Gupta, general secretary, impressed upon the Sabha workers to educate the people about their hard earned freedom and to work dedicately for projecting the crucial problems of the public so as to ameliorate their condition.

Millennium’s first I-Day was celebrated by J&K PHE Employees Union at Mahesh Pura, Bakshi Nagar under the chairmanship of Mr Darshan Magotra, president of the Union. Mr I C Jandiyal was the chief guest on the occasion and Mr V K Abrol and Mr Kotwal, both Executive Engineers were the special guests. The tri-colour was hoisted by Mr I C Jandiyal.

Addressing the function, Mr Magotra stressed upon the employees to maintain unity and work with dedication and serve the people in these hard days.

A colorful function was organised by the workers of the various affliated unions of Hind Mazdoor Sabha at their office, Narwal Bye-Pass Road, Jammu to celebrate the 54th I-Day. Speaking on the occasion Mr Sat Pal Sharma appealed to the working class to maintain communal harmony, unity and integrity at all costs. He also put-forth various burning problems being faced by the labourers and working class and pleaded for early redressal of their grievances.

The activists of National Mazdoor Conference led by its president Mr Subash Shastri celebrated the 54th I-Day. A colorful and impressive function was held at Pacca Danga where Mr Shastri unfurled the National Flag. He expressed grave concern over the rise in militancy and appealed to the Prime Minister to take stringent measures in curbing the militancy.

The function was presided over by a well-known social workers Mr Ashok Chopra.

President of Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha Th Daljit Singh Charak hoisted the National Tricolor in the Sabha Park at Purani Mandi to mark the celebration of 54th Independence Day. In his address to the gathering, he emphasized that harmony among the community is the need of the hour. He also expressed shock over the recent blasts in which a number of security personnel were killed.

Bharat Vikas Parishad, Gandhi Nagar branch celebrated I-Day with the people of Balmiki Colony and Gandhi Nagar. Mr Romesh Chander Sabbarwal, president of the Parishad hoisted the National Flag amidst singing of National Anthem. The sacrifices of great leaders were also remembered. Those present on the occasion pledged to work for the unity and integrity of the country and protect the independence by all means which has been obtained after a long struggle.

Bar Association Jammu celebrated the I-Day in the district court complex, Mubarak Mandi. Unfurling the National Flag, president of the Bar Association Mr D S Saini stressed upon the need of unity to frustrate the evil designs of enemy.

Raghunath Bazar Business Association celebrated the Independence Day with great zeal and fervour at Shri Raghunath Chowk. Mr Ashok Khajuria, MLA, Jammu East constituency, who was the chief guest, hoisted the National Tricolour. He advised the members to be cautious against the nefarious designs of those who were hell bent upon disturbing the communal harmony and peace. Mr Baldev Khular, president of the association and various other office bearers also addressed the gathering.

On the eve of Independence Day, PHE Workers Welfare Association organised a function at PHE City Sub Division Dounthly. Mr Bakshi Singh, provincial president of the Association hoisted the National Tri-colour. He appealed to workers for rendering their duties with dedication and honesty so that un-interrupted water supply be provided to the citizens in their respective areas.

Rehri Chhaba Workers Union celebrated the millennium’s first I-day with great enthusiasm. Chairman of the Union Mr Jaswant Singh unfurled the National Tri-colour and highlighted the importance of I-day. He appealed to the people to follow the path shown by our great leaders.

Trade bodies celebrate I-Day with patriotic fervor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 15: Various trade bodies celebrated the 54th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and gaiety.

On the occasion of 54th Independence Day, Mr Ram Sahai, president Chamber of Commerce and Industry inaugurated the new chowk at Marble Market and named it as ‘Bharat Chowk’.

Hoisting the National Flag in the chowk, Mr Sahai lauded the efforts of the office bearers and members of Marble Market in making the beautiful chowk completely studded with marble and granites. Messrs Vijay Trehan, Jai Kishore, Daleep Vaid, Sanjiv Wazir, Surjit Khorana and Ajay Langar welcomed Mr Sahai on behalf of the members of their market.

Earlier, Mr Ram Sahai hoisted the National Tri-colour at Chamber Office in the presence of large number of members and office bearers of CCI, Mr Rajinder Motial, secretary general, Mr Om Parkash, senior vice-president, Pawan Gulati, junior vice-president and Mr Narinder Gupta, treasurer.

Mr Sahai addressing the gathering called upon fellow citizens to be aware of the evil designs of the enemy and work for the safeguard of the country.

Raghunath Mandir Chowk Traders Association celebrated the Independence Day with enthusiasm and gaiety. The entire bazar was beautifully decorated to give a festive look. The president of Association Mr Raj Kumar hoisted the National Flag amidst chanting of Bharat Mata Ki Ja.

Traders Federation celebrated the millennium’s first Independence-Day with great zeal and enthusiasm. The flag was hoisted by Mr Jagdish Raj Gupta..

J&K Trade Union Congress in collaboration with Development Welfare Action Committee celebrated 54th I-Day at Shastri Nagar. The chief guest in the function was Pt Mangat Ram Sharma, who unfurled the National Flag. A large number of people from all walks of life attended the function and sung National Anthem.

Addressing the function, Pt Mangat Ram Sharma appealed to the people to remain united to defeat the evil designs of Pakistan which is bent upon to create communal tension in the State. Mr Raman Bhalla, Youth Congress leader also addressed the gathering.

Amarnath Yatra ends with arrival of holy
mace of Lord Shiva

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 15: The month-long Amarnath pilgrimage culminated this morning with the arrival of ‘Charri Mubarak’ (the holy mace of Lord Shiva) and prayers in the cave shrine in the Himalayan range of South Kashmir.

Devotees and Sadhus, accompanying the mace, chanted incantations and Bhajans to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, officials said here.

Over 1.77 lakh pilgrims, including women and children, from different parts of the country, trekked to the cave located at 3952 metres via mountainous and forest routes of Baltal and Pahalgam.

Despite continued inclement weather along yatra routes and militants attack on yatris early this month near Pahalgam, the pilgrimage-which started on July 13-received a good response.

A record number of 1,77,518 pilgrims visited the cave shrine this year, surpassing last year’s record of 1.07 lakh travellers.

Reports said that while most of the pilgrims have already reached their respective destinations, others were on way back to base camps of Pahalgam and Baltal.

‘Charri-Mubarak’, which was led by Mahant Dipender Giri of Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar would return to Pahalgam and then to Srinagar.

Reports from Poonch district said that hundreds of devotees also paid their obesiance at ‘Budda Amarnath Temple’ in Rajpura-Mandi area, near the Line of Control (LoC).

The annual Baba Budda Amarnath yatra started from Poonch on August 13 with the warm send off to the holy mace of Shiva after worshipping ceremony, the reports said, adding the mace will be kept in the temple for Darshan till this evening and then brought back to Poonch town.

Thousands of devotees also offered prayers today in temples at Shiv Khori, Sudhmahadev, Billawar and winter capital of Jammu division in connection with Shravana Purnamashi, coinciding with ‘Raksha Bandhan’.

I-Day function held at Police Academy Udhampur

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug. 15: Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm and gaiety in Sher-I-Kashmir Police Academy Udhampur.

A colourful function was organised and Director SK Police Academy Udhampur Masud Choudhary, IGP unfurled the National Flag.

In his address Masud Choudhary recounted the sacrifices made by numerous countrymen for achieving the Independence. They gave their 'today for our tomorrow.' We must pay tributes to them, he said. He told that the role of police is very vital in every society since no development can take place without maintenance of peace and order.

This is all the more relevant in our State due to prevalent security scenario, he said.

He exhorterd the trainees to sharpen their professional skills during training and rededicate themselves for playing effective role for welfare of the society.

I-Day celebrated with gaiety

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug. 15: The 54th Independence Day was celebrated throughout Jammu region with usual zeal, gaiety and fervour.

The main function at Jammu was held in the Mini Stadium Parade Ground. The Minister for Education, Mr Mohd Shafi unfurled the national flag and took salute at an impressive march-past comprising contingents of JAKE, District Police, IRP Lady Police, Auxiliary Police, JK Fire Service, Forest Protection Force, NCC cadets, Boys and girls of various educational institutions.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister extended his heart felt greetings to the people on the eve of country's first independence day of the new millennium. Paying glittering tributes to the patriots who sacrificed their lives to achievce freedom for the country, Mr Shafi reiterated that this hard-won freedom has to be preserved and maintained at every cost. He said this is due to the sacrifices of our great martyrs like Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev, Raj Guru, Moulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi that we are enjoying the fruit of freedom.

The Minister while referring to the leaping strides made by the nation during last 53 years in different socio-political spheres said that we are proud of our multidimensational progess in various spheres of science, technology, space research, industries and agriculture etc. He said with the socio-economic development of entire country our State also progressed by leaps and bounds under the stewardship of late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah in which Father of the Nation had visualised a 'ray of hope' at a time when entire sub continent was burning in the flames of communal hatred and frenzy.

Mr Shafi said that India is the only country in the world which is privileged to have unity in diversity and the principles of secularism, socialism and democracy which are most suitable for our historic culture. He said no doubt we have achieved political independence but economic independence is yet to be achieved. Mr Shafi said that our country has still 40 percent illiterates and 30 per cent people are living below poverty line. He said the evils of communalism, unemployment, poverty and backwardness are still raising their ugly heads and eating into the vitals of our society.

Referring to the proxy war launched by Pakistan Mr Shafi said that our neighbour is actively involved in destabilising the socio-economic fabric of our State which is glittering crown of India. He added that entire world has seen the plight of Pakistani troops and its mercenaries during Kargil War last year. He said that Pakistan should learn a lesson from the bitter defeat which it has suffered in Kargil. The Minister appealed the people to come forward and jointly fight the proxy war and frustrate the nefarious designs of Pakikstan. He complimented the security forces for their unprecedented courage and determination during various operations against evil forces.

He appealed the people to take a pledge on this historic day for eradication of a number of social evils from society as also to gird up their lions and stead fastedly proceed for frustrating the evil designs of Pakistan. He eulogised the people for their cooperation to the Government and security forces for their efforts to ride the State from menance of militancy.

On the occasion a colourful cultural bonanza comprising Bhangra, Dogri Dances and physical display were also performed by the students of various educational institutions of the district. The Department of Youth Services and Sports had organised the cultural programme. A large number of people attended the programme.

The function among others was also attended by the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Dy. Chairman Legislative Council S. Harbans Singh, Minister of State for Agriculture, Mr Ram Paul, Member Parliament, Vaid Vaishno Dutt, MLAs, Ch Piara Singh and Mr Ashok Khajuria, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Dy. Commissioner, Jammu , IGP Jammu Range and a galaxy of Legislators and prominent citizens.

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