Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 16: Various political parties unfurled National flag to mark the Independence Day across the State on Tuesday.
State BJP chief , Sat Sharma (MLA Jammu West) hoisted the tri-colour at the party offices Kachi Chawani and Trikuta Nagar besides City Chowk Jammu in presence of party MPs- Jugal Kishore Sharma and Shamsher Singh Manhas, besides MLC Ashok Khajuria, MoS Priya Sethi, MLA- Rajesh Gupta, general secretary ( Org) Ashok Koul, Ramesh Arora (MLC), Vikram Randhawa (MLC) , Subhash Jandial, Balbir Ram and others. A large number of party activists witnessed the occasion and sung National Anthem. The sweets were also distributed on the occasion among the participants.
On this occasion, the State BJP chief and others congratulated the people and also recalled the sacrifices and contribution of the national heroes in attaining freedom from the British rule. Both the MPs and Ashok Koul also addressed the gathering.
Member Legislative Council (MLC) and Secretary Bhartiya Janta Party, Vikram Randhawa, also unfurled the tricolor at various places in the city here.
Randhawa, attended many functions being organised in connection with the Independence Day celebrations and unfurled the tricolor at Narwal, Gorkha Nagar, Bahu Fort, Trikuta Nagar, Preet Nagar and Chatha Pind.
While speaking on these places Randhawa congratulated the citizens of the nation particularly the residents of Jammu and Kashmir on the Independence Day. He paid rich tributes to the father of nation Mahatma Gandhi, Saheed-e-Azam S. Bhagat 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 Mukherjee on the occasion.
The Independence Day was celebrated in Bharatiya Vidya Mandir (BVM) School Ramban with national fervour, patriotic zeal and enthusiasm.
MLA Ramban, Neelam Kumar Langeh was the chief guest who unfurled the National flag in the school premises and Dy Chief Education Officer Ramban, Bal Ji Thaploo was the guest of honor besides chief patron of School Dr Mohan Lal Sharma, president school committee Subash Kapoor and Zonal Education Officer Ramban Firdous Ahmed Firdous and other dignitaries also presided over the function.
MLA took salute at the march passed from schools students and it was followed by cultural programme.
Speaking on the occasion, the MLA recalled the sacrifices of great leaders and freedom fighter enslaving the nation from foreign rule and unveiled the vision of State Government in formulating various developmental projects and plans for all the three regions if the state. A colourful cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.
Pradesh Congress today celebrated the Independence at Congress Party Headquarters, Srinagar. The Party leaders and workers celebrated the Independence Day with great enthusiasm.
On this occasion Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president GA Mir unfurled the tri-colour and greeted the party cadres on 70th Independence. The jubilant party workers sang the National Anthem and also greeted the president on this occasion.
The president after unfurling the Tricolour addressed the party workers and apprised them about the importance of August 15 (Independence Day) and the role played by Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru and other top freedom fighters, who fought the battle of prestige and honour and achieved freedom from the British Colonial rule. He also apprised the workers of the sacrifices given by the Leaders for achieving freedom by braving the brunt of suppression and continued to fight against the British colonial rule.
Among others who were present on this occasion included former minister Taj Mohi- Ud- Din, MLA Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, MLA Usman Majeed, Farooq Andrabi, Surinder Singh Channi, Shameema Iqbal and other senior party functionaries.
Meanwhile, JKPCC also celebrate the Independence Day at PCC Headquarters, Shaheedi Chowk Jammu on Tuesday. The programme was organised under the leadership of DCC Jammu (U) president, Anil Chopra.
Senior vice president of the PCC and former minister Sham Lal Sharma hoisted national flag at the party office in the presence of senior leaders of PCC and District Congress Committee Jammu Urban besides frontal organizations and Block presidents. The function was organized under the leadership of DCC Jammu Urban president, Anil Chopra.
Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, Sham Lal said that the Nation owes gratitude to these great leaders who sacrificed their lives to secure freedom from foreign rule. He also paid tribute to the soldiers and security personnel who stand as the guardians to maintain peace and protect the sovereignty of the country.
He underlined the importance of sustained peace and amity in the State and called upon all the stakeholders to rise above the issues of caste and religion and focus on inclusive growth of one and all.
Former minister said this day remind us of our freedom struggle and contribution of crores of Indians and our great leaders besides our responsibility towards our nation and values of democracy in order to safeguard and strengthen our freedom and democracy for future generations so that the country becomes more vibrant and Strong nation in the world.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included former minister Mohd Sharief Niaz, Kanta Bhan, Rajnish Sharma, Shabir Khan,Vikram Malhotra, Shah Mohd Choudhary, Indu Pawar, KK Pangotra, Krishan Lal Gupta, Thomas Khokher, Gurdarshan Singh, Manjit Singh Jatt, Nadeem Sharief Niaz, Suresh Bargotra, Lalita Sharma, office bearers of DCC Jammu (U) BB Gupta, Dr Rama Kant Khajuria, Madan Lal Malagar, Naresh Maini, Padmani Langeh and others.
DCC Jammu (U) president Anil Chopra also hoisted national flag at Bakshi Nagar Chowk Jammu in presence of several party functionaries and workers.
PCC chief spokesperson and former MLC Ravinder Sharma also hoisted national flag at main market in front of Congress office Sunderbani today to celebrate Independence Day
A large number of prominent citizens and senior leaders of block Congress and Youth Congress participated in the Independence Day function amidst raising of slogans in the memory of freedom fighters Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other stalwarts and lakhs of Indians who laid down their lives in the freedom struggle. Sharma remembered the struggle and sacrifices during freedom movement and asked the people to be cautioned about the communal and divisive forces who are posing threat to the hard earned freedom, democracy, unity and integrity of the country.
Sweets were distributed on the occasion. senior leaders of Block Congress and Youth Congress also spoke in the function.
Speaking on the occasion after unfurling the National Flag in the presence of an impressive gathering, at main Bazar Bishnah on Tuesday, MK Bhardwaj, senior leader reflected on the role of the freedom fighters and reminded people particularly youth about the supreme sacrifices made by many of them. It becomes our prime duty to protect the national interests and Freedom gifted to us by our fore-fathers after great personal sacrifices, he observed and added : ” Performing one’s duties honestly is also an act of national service which all of us should bear in mind.”
Paying glowing tributes to the freedom fighters, Bhardwaj said that Independence Day is certainly an occasion to celebrate but also to re-dedicate ourselves to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the founders of our mighty nation. He lauded the efforts of Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Pandit JL Nehru, Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh and others for sacrifices, selfless service and contribution to the to the struggle for Independence.
Former MLA¸ Ashok Kumar Dubey, secretary PCC paid rich tributes to the leaders and revolutionaries who fought selflessly in their own manner to achieve the common goal of freedom. He said that it is due to the efforts and struggle of the noted freedom fighters and also the ordinary soldiers that we are today living in free India.
DCC Kathua activists took out Tiranga rally at Hiranagar followed with the tricolor hoisting at statue of Neta Ji Subash Chander Bose situated at National Highway Chappar Morh, Hiranagar. A large number of Congress activists and common people carried out Tiranga Yatra under the leadership of District Congress Committee president and Ex-MLC, Subhash Gupta.
In his address, Subhash Gupta, while remembering the freedom fighters said that Republic Day as well Independence Day is our two National festivals, which are source of inspiration for us. These festivals admire us to follow the ideologies of the great leaders and freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of the country.
District Congress president Doda, Naresh Kumar Gupta, hoisted the National Flag at historical Seri Bazaar, Bhadarwah in the presence of large numbers of Congress workers and threw light on the importance of the day.
They paid rich tributes to freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
At Kishtwar, the celebration was held at historical sports Ground Kishtwar, where MoS, R&B Sunil Sharma was the chief guest .
Similar functions were also held at Ramban, Gool, Gandoh, Drabshalla, Chatroo, Nagseni, Thathri, Bhalla, Chinta and other areas of Chenab Valley where respective SDMs and Tehsildars unfurled the national flag and take salute from the parade.
President District Congress Committee Udhampur Ashok Gupta, hoisted national flag on the at Udhampur town, amidst a huge gathering of people from all sections of society. The enthusiastic national anthem was recited by the school children and sweets and fruit were distributed among the participants.
Speaking on the occasion Ashok Gupta recalled the contribution of Shaheed Azam Bhagat Singh, Raj Garu, Sukh Dev, Subash Chander Bose, Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Mulana Abul Kalam Azad and many other freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives to liberate India from foreign rulers and guide modern India towards its substantive progress. He also recalled the leaders like Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi who sacrificed their lives for the unity and integrity of the country.
Prominent among those present on the occasion were Ashok Bakshi, Surinder Khajuria, Manav Opadhya, Sumit Magotra,,Mohan Lal Kalsotra, Suraj Choudhary,Girdhari Lal Bansotra, Shashi Manhas, Dwarka Prakash and others.
Indian National Trade Union Congress distrioct Udhampur unit celebrated Ind-Day under the leadership of Som Nath district president at PHE Station Barrian. Executive Engineer PHE Ashok Kumar hoisted national flag. The participants sung national anthem. Xen, PHE Mech Sanjay Sharma was also present.
The Independence Day was celebrated with full joy and enthusiasm today at Shaheed Major Babber Singh Chowk Sainik Colony. The function was organised by Th Jai Singh ex-Corporator and senior congress leader Raman Bhalla ex -minister was chief guest on this occasion.
The flag hosting was done jointly by Jai Singh and Bhalla which was followed by light refreshment.
Prominent personalities present on this occasion included Mahesh Sharma,
Harkirat Singh Sasan, Prabha Slathia, Anand Khajuria, Santosh Sharma, Sikander Singh Kuka, SS Jamwal and Capt( Retd) Bodh Raj Sharma.
Senior Congress leader Maheshwar Singh also unfurled national flag at Ploura to mark the Independence day. While paying tributes to the freedom fighters, Mr Singh recalled their contributions for the country. The sweets were also distributed on the occasion.
PCC secretary Shashi Sharma also unfurled tricolor at a private school at Kanal village in Bishnah today. Several political and social activists besides school children and staff attended the programme. The sweets were also distributed on the occasion.
Former minister and state president of NCP Thakur Randhir Singh, greeted the people of the State on behalf of state unit of NCP on the occasion of the 71st Independence day. Mr Singh hoisted the National flag near Jewel Chowk.
While addressing the gathering he said that the Independence was achieved by sacrificing so many valuable lives by all the communities Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Budhists, Christians and many unknown freedom fighters who went to the jails under the leadership of Mahatama Gandhi. He said it was very difficult to get Independence from the Britishers but it is also too difficult task to preserve the hard earned Independence which has been achieved, it requires more sacrifices to be made by the people of India to preserve it.
Senior leaders K K Dingra, Abdul Muftafa, Mohd Akbar Ali Chisti, R C Bali , LA Magray, M M Pandey, R S Billowaria, Ch Dev Raj were also present on the occasion.
Nationalist Youth Congress led by Murli Manohar Pandey and Tishi Kaul Kilm also organised flag hoisting ceremony at LBM school Roop Nagar. The NYC activists and school children and staff witnessed the occasion.
Nationalist Democratic Party (NDP) also organised flag hoisting ceremony at Trikuta Complex, B C Road Jammu where party president, Ravi Bakshi hoisted national flag. The party functionaries sung national anthem and paid rich tributes to national heroes/ freedom fighters.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included, convenor -JG Sharma, N K Atri, Raj Kumar Khjuria, Vinay Anand, Rakesh Khajuria, SC Sharma, Pawan Singh and Sohan Singh.
Kranti Dal celebrates Independence Day with great enthusiasm and distributing sweets among children. Children also participating in the celebration. Pritam Sharma, State general secretary Kranti Dal unfurls National flag at Sharika Vihar, Lower Roop Nagar with great pomp and show.
Others who were present on the occasion, included Tarun Gupta, Pankaj Sharma, Vijay Kumar, Puran Khajuria, H S Slathia, Vijay Sharma. SHO Janipur Varinder Gupta also attended the ceremony.
While speaking on the occasion, Pritam Sharma advised the children to be disciplined in life and be hopeful to people in need. He asked the children and people to pay their respect to brave soldiers guarding ourborders.
Janat Dal Secular ( J&K Unit) unfurled national flag at party office Raghunath Bazar. Acting president of the state unit Ranjay Bargotra unfurled the national flag in presence of other functionaries of the party. The participants sung national anthem and also distributed sweets on the occasion.