Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 16: The provincial level celebration of 71st Independence Day was held at Mini-Stadium Parade where Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Kumar Singh unfurled the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at the march past.
Speaker Legislative Asse-mbly, Kavinder Gupta, Minister of State for Tourism Priya Sethi, Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma, Legislators and senior officers of civil and police administration were present on the occasion.
On the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister paid rich tributes to the Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi, Baghat Singh, Raj Guru, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Ashfaqullah Khan and other martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country. He also remembered Shyama Prasad Mookherjee on the occasion. He hailed the contribution of Army and police personnel and said that DySP Ayoub Pandit, SHO Feroz Ahmad and Lieutenant Umar Fayaz sacrificed their lives like many others from Jammu and other parts of the country to safeguard the nation. “We salute their sacrifice”, he added.
The DyCM appealed the public to come forward to take care and work for the welfare of the families of these martyrs.
On the occasion, various cultural items were presented by the students and other cultural troupe.
SAMBA: The main function was organized at Rani Suchait Singh Stadium where Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the march past presented by contingents of Ex-Servicemen, J&K Police, Home Guards, NCC cadets and students drawn from different Government as well as private educational institutions.
The function was also attended by Vice Chairman Advisory Board for Welfare and Development of OBCs Rashpaul Verma, MLA Samba Devinder Kumar Manyal, DC Samba Sheetal Nanda, SSP Samba Anil Magotra and District Heads of various departments.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister lauded the role of freedom fighters for securing freedom to their countrymen by making supreme sacrifices. He also highlighted various schemes and initiatives taken by the State Government for progress and development of the public. He said that implementation of Goods and Service Tax was a landmark legislation in the history of the State as it now provides uniform tax structure and benefit the State greatly.
The students of various educational institutions presented a scintillating cultural programme depicting diverse culture of the State and highlighting patriotism and national integration. Later, the Minister distributed prizes and trophies to the performers and participants. The Independence Day functions were also held at Vijaypur, Ramgarh, Ghagwal and other parts of the district.
REASI: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Bali Bhagat unfurled the National Flag at Sports Stadium here. He inspected the parade and took salute at the march past comprising 28 contingents of IRP, J&K Police, STC Talwara, NCC and students of various educational institutions.
In his address, the Minister recalled the sacrifices of great leaders who led the freedom movement, adding country has come a long way since independence and is progressing in leaps and bounds. “We have reached to present stage because of our sages, maestros, teachers, scientists and social workers. These great people and the great generations, who had worked for the country throughout their lives, deserve our deepest respect”, he added.
The Minister also highlighted the initiatives of the State and Central Government to improve the economic profile of the people particularly living in hilly and far flung districts like Reasi.
At last the prizes were distributed among the participants of parade and cultural programme by the chief guest. The students and officials were also awarded for their distinguished achievements.
Minister of State for Finance and Planning Ajay Nanda, DDC Ravinder Kumar, ADC Babu Ram, SSP Tahir Bhat and many other officers and officials from civil administration, Army, Police and para military forces were also present amid huge public gathering. The day was also celebrated at the headquarters of Katra, Pouni, Arnas, Dharmari, Mahore, Chassanan and educational institutions of far flung areas.
KATHUA: The main function was held at District Sports Stadium where Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the march past comprising 46 contingents of CRPF, District Police, Police Training School, NCC boys and Girls, Forest Protection Force and tiny platoons from various Government and Private schools.
Speaking on the occasion, he recalled the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices to achieve freedom from the foreign rule. He said that the people of all ages and communities laid down their lives and fetched hard fought independence. He paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, Subash Chander Bose, Bhagat Singh, Chander Shekhar Azad, Rajguru, Sukhdev and scores of other unsung heroes of Indian freedom struggle.
He also underlined the unique feat achieved by India as one of the largest democratic and secular nation in the world. He also added that the independence has been achieved after lot of hardships and sacrifices ‘so we must keep in mind that it should be preserved by remaining united against all evils.
A colorful programmes by the students of various schools was also presented on the occasion. A Mass Drill by the college and school students was one of the main attractions. The Minister also gave away prizes and trophies to the participating performers.
Among others, MLA, Kathua, Rajiv Jasrotia, MLA Bani Jeevan Lal, MLC Balbir Singh, District Development Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar, SSP Suleman Choudhary, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr Bahrat Bhushan, District Officers, Prominent citizens and freedom fighters were present on the occasion. Independence Day was also celebrated at tehsil headquarters with patriotic zeal.
UDHAMPUR: Minister for Social Welfare, ARI and Trainings and Science and Technology Sajad Gani Lone unfurled the National Flag in the premises of Government Degree College and took salute at the march-past comprising 38 contingents from CRPF, Police, NCC, Home Guards and students.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to free the country from foreign rule. He appealed the people to serve the nation with devotion, honesty and truthfulness for prosperous future of their children. He said that the present Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is putting its best efforts for the development of every district of the State.
Students from different schools presented a colourful cultural programmes depicting diverse culture of the State and carrying the message of patriotism and sacrifice. Later, the chief guest distributed trophies, certificates of merit among the students who excelled in academics, march past and cultural items.
MLA Udhampur Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA Chenani Dina Nath Bhagat , MLA Kupwara Bashir Ahmed Dar , Director SKPA Mohammad Sulaiman Salaria (IGP), DIG Udhampur -Reasi range Varindra Sharma, DDC Arvind Sharma, ADC Avny Lavasa besides other officers from District Administration and Police Department were present on the occasion.
RAJOURI: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Information, Chowdhary Zulfkar unfurled National Flag and took salute at the march past comprising contingents of JKAP, JK Executive Police, CRPF, JK Lady Police, JK FPF, Home Guard, NCC cadets and students at an impressive function organized by the district administration at DPL.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the Minister said, “we are breathing in free India only because of the sacrifices that the leaders and people of our country made during the freedom struggle.”
The Minister, while elaborating on the developmental works in the State in general and Rajouri in particular, said that provision of basic amenities for all especially in far flung and remote areas is the topmost priority of the State Government headed by CM Mehbooba Mufti. He said that the road connectivity under PMGSY and other schemes has pushed inter-district and intra region trade and benefited areas which remained untouched over the years.
“The Government has successfully implemented NFSA and MMSFES and as a result the ration quota of the State has increased to 11.81 lakh metric tons. The State has achieved 100% digitization of records, end to end computerization, online supply chain management and online grievance redressal to ensure public friendly and pilferage proof PDS,” he said, adding “the Ration Policy for nomadic Gujjar & Bakerwals has already been notified and now they are being provided ration at their place of migration.”
A colourful cultural programme depicting the rich cultural heritage of the district and State was also presented by the school children on the occasion which mesmerized the audience. The main attraction of the programme were Gojri, Pahari, Punjabi, Kashmiri and Dogri songs based on patriotic and pluralistic themes. Marshal art show, skits and folk dances also won huge public applaud.
Later the chief guest presented prizes, commendation certificates and mementoes to the students and officers for their excellent achievements.
Also present on the occasion were MLA Rajouri Advocate Qamar Chowdhary, MLC Vibodh Gupta, Vice Chairman Pahari Advisory Board Kuldeep Raj Gupta, Ex-MP Chowdhary Talib Hussain and Mirza Abdul Rashid, Senior officers of Civil and Police Administration, Army and CRPF, other district officers besides a huge public gathering.
KISHTWAR: Minister of State for Transport, PWD (R&B), Revenue, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Sunil Sharma unfurled the Tricolor and took salute at the 42 march past comprising contingents of JKP, CRPF, JKAP, FPF, NCC and school children. More than 1800 students participated in the parade.
Speaking on the occasion, Sharma hailed people for maintaining brotherhood and harmony in the district. He paid tributes to the freedom fighters for securing freedom and enabling the coming generations to breathe in free and independent India.
Reiterating Government’s resolve to meet the aspirations of all regions, the Minister listed numerous developmental projects taken up for benefiting the people in Kishtwar and other districts of the State. Listing developmental achievements in Kishtwar district, he informed that the work on around 20 new road projects have been taken up in various parts of the district including Rs 20 crore “Hasti Sarthal Devi Ji” road, whereas Rs 98 crore have been provided for the upgradation and macdamisation of Batote-Kishtwar National Highway.
A colourful cultural programme depicting the rich cultural heritage of the State and country was presented by the school children. Later consolation prizes, commendation certificates and mementoes were distributed among the participants and officers by the Minister. Similar celebrations were held in other parts of the district where respective SDMs and Tehsildars hoisted the National Flag.
RAMBAN: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Choudhary unfurled the National Flag to mark the Independence Day celebration. He took the salute at the march past comprising contingents of police, CRPF, NCC and students.
In his address, the Minister recalled the contribution of freedom fighters and supreme sacrifices made by soldiers of different forces including Dy.SP Mohammad Ayub Pandit, SHO Mohammad Farooq Dar and Major Kamlesh Panday. He said on this day entire nation paying tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for unity of the nation. The Minister also gave a brief account of the main developmental activities in the district including those which are to be completed in near future.
MLA Ramban Neelam Langeh, DDC, Tariq Hussain Ganai, DIG, SSP and other officers of civil, police and Army were present were present on the occasion
DODA: The main function was held at Sports Stadium where Minister for Cooperatives and Ladakh Affairs, Chering Dorjay unfurled the Tricolor and inspected guard of honour. He took salute at march past comprising contingents of J&K police, IR 5th Batallion, CRPF 76 Bn, Forest protection force, Home guards and school children.
MLA Doda Shakti Raj Parihar, DDC Doda Bhupinder Kumar, SSP Doda Mohammad Shabir Khatana besides other senior officers and prominent citizens of Doda graced the occasion.
In his address, the Minister paid tributes to the eminent personalities and freedom fighters who played an important role in liberating the country from British rule. He said that since independence the country has achieved new heights of developmental and it is the duty of every citizen to work and make India shine globally.
Later a scintillating cultural programme was presented by the students of various Government and private schools of the district. The programme concluded with distribution of prizes among the participants of parade and cultural programme. The Government employees with excellent performance were also awarded by the chief guest.
Similar celebrations were held in other parts of the district including Bhaderwah where ADC Mohammad Hanief Malik unfurled the National Flag and took salute at the march past.
POONCH: The main function was held at Sports Stadium where Minister for Horticulture, Seyed Bashrat Ahmed Bukhari unfurled the National Flag & took salute at the march past comprising 25 contingents of J&K police , CRPF, JKAP, NCC & school children here amid tight security arrangements.
MLA Haveli Shah Mohammad Tantary, MLA Mendhar Javid Ahamad Rana, MLC Dr Shehnaz Ganai, MLC Yashpal Sharama, MLC Pardeep Sharama, brigade commander A S Pandharkar ex legislator Jehangir Hussain Mir, officers of district administration and police beside a large number of locals and school children were present.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister gave a historical background of Indian freedom movement and paid tributes to freedom fighters. He said the leaders of the nation made supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the nation, adding that the best tribute to them is to raise and stand up against forces who promote division on the lines of religion, region, cast, colour & creed.
“Our independence is half way till we progress in those fields where we are still lacking and till we become socially and economically sound”, he asserted and enumerated various development initiatives taken during the regime of late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and now under the leadership Mehbooba Mufti.
Later the Minister presented certificates and prices to students who presented scintillating cultural programmes on the occasion. He also presented mementoes to DC Poonch Tariq Ahamad Zargar, SSP Rajiv Panday, executive engineer PMGSY Muneer Hussain for their exemplary work in getting through a major held up road project from the last 12 years on the recommendation of national social development organisation a local NGO.
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