Tag: I-Day

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Border villagers thank PM for I-Day invitation

They include 21 sarpanches and their spouses from two tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, both bordering China, besides two field officials, report by Ashutosh Kumar

Himachal villagers living near the border with China are both overjoyed and overwhelmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gesture to invite them as special guests for his Independence Day speech at the historic Red Fort in Delhi.

“We are not the last natives living near the borders. We are the first line of the country’s defence–the Chowkidars. We are really thankful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who thought of making us part of Independence Day celebrations—India’s most prestigious event at New Delhi’s Red Fort” a sarpanch from Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district said.

Over 75 years after Independence, the Sarpanches from 662 villages on the China border in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh covered under the Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) have reached Delhi to be part of the national event.

They include 21 sarpanches and their spouses from two tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, both bordering China, besides two field officials.

The Vibrant Villages Programme, first announced in the 2022 Budget as part of the Centre’s policy to upgrade infrastructure in areas along the China border, was launched by Home Minister Amit Shah in the border village of Kibithu in Arunachal Pradesh in April 2023.

In Delhi on Monday–one the eve of I-Day function, Pradeep Negi , Sarpanch from Chitkul said “it’s a huge honour for the PRI representatives—who represent  grass-root democracy having been invited to Delhi by Prime Minister Modi to see how India has progressed during these years of Post-Independence’.

“We are tribal and very shy people. We hardly come-out of our areas to be in Delhi or ever been part of such an event. Today, we feel so touched” he said as Negi spoke at a function organised by the ministry of tribal affairs where union minister Arjun Munda was Chief Minister.

One sarpanch from each state and Union territory of Ladakh was invited to speak and share the stories of development of their villages.

Under this centrally sponsored scheme, 2,967 villages in 46 blocks of 19 districts, abutting the country’s northern border in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, have been identified for “comprehensive development”. Of these, about 662 villages have been identified for the first phase of the programme, said an official of the Tribal ministry

Negi drew the attention of the tribal affairs minister towards the  need for strengthening health infrastructure and setting-up good schools in the border village to stop migration of the local communities.

“We are standing as guards at the borders. There is a pressing need for ensuring good schools, facilities like doctors at the health institutions and a good communications network. I also thank ITBP –an organisation that is rendering an excellent service .They are our best friends and guides. They keep updating  locals on the country’s advancements” he said.

Another Sarpanch from Ladakh, whose panchayat includes Galwan valley, conveyed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for making Ladakh as a union territory after which the area has seen a massive development and road infrastructure. Tourism has got a big boost in the area, he said.

Among 21 sarpanches, 13 are women from both districts of Lahaul –Spiti and Kinnaur.

One of them Tashi Dolkar from Lulung Panchayat of Kaza when contacted said “ coming to Delhi for Independence Day function was a life-time experience .I never had even a dream about being part of this great moment and seeing Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red-Fort” ,she said over phone .

The Modi government has been reaching out to villagers in the border areas. Union minister for power R.K. Singh had visited Kinnaur in June this year and interacted with locals in the Vibrant villages at Chitkul, the last village on the international border.

The Union Minister heard the grievances of the local villagers and assured them of initiating action for the development of infrastructure and basic amenities including education, health and a communication network. He also sanctioned a one MW solar power station for Chitkul.

(India Narrative)

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Nurses, farmers invited as special guests for I-Day event

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the flag on Delhi’s Red Fort, and then address the country as is customary….reports Asian Lite News

This year marks the 77th anniversary of Independence Day, and the central government is organising an extensive celebration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the flag on Delhi’s Red Fort, and then address the country as is customary.

The event’s theme is “Nation First, Always First,” and over 1800 special guests from different walks of life have been invited as part of the “Jan Bhagidari” campaign this year, which encourages citizens all around the nation to take part in the celebrations.

Around 1,800 special guests from every corner of the country, representing a variety of professions, have been invited, according to the defence ministry statement released on 13 August.

Sarpanches from “Vibrant Villages,” teachers, nurses, farmers, fishermen, labourers who helped build the Central Vista Project in New Delhi, employees in the khadi (handspun cloth) industry, teachers who have received national awards for their work in education, workers for the Border Roads Organisation, and participants in the “Amrit Sarovar” and “Har Ghar Jal Yojana” projects carried out in various regions of the nation are all included.

The goal of the “Vibrant Villages” programme is to raise the level of living for those who live in border villages. In order to reverse the tendency of emigration and so strengthen border security, the project aims to incentivize residents to remain in these settlements.

Some of these special guests are scheduled to visit the National War Memorial and call on Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt as part of their stay in Delhi, the statement said.

Additionally, 75 couples from each state and Union Territory, in their traditional attire, have been invited to witness the ceremony, according to the defence ministry statement released on 13 August.

A larger number of guests have been invited compared to last year.

According to PTI, 250 from the farmer-producer organisations scheme; 50 participants each of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Scheme (PM-KISAN) and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY); 50 ‘shram yogis (construction workers)’ of the Central Vista project, including the new Parliament building; 50 khadi workers, those involved in construction of border roads, making of Amrit Sarovars and Har Ghar Jal Yojana each, as well as 50 primary school teachers, and fisherfolk each.

Two programme recipients from the state of Maharashtra have been selected to attend the Independence Day celebrations at the venerable Red Fort.

The 54-year-old farmer from Pune,  Ashok Sudam Ghule said, “I never imagined I’d get the chance to visit New Delhi’s Red Fort. Being there on Independence Day feels like a dream fulfilled.” Ghule, a sugarcane farmer with a 1.5-acre piece of land, is a beneficiary of the PM-KISAN scheme.

With some exclusions, the PM-KISAN scheme is intended to provide financial assistance to farming families who own property that is suitable for cultivation. In accordance with this programme, three equal payments of Rs 2,000 each totalling Rs 6,000 are made annually directly into the farmers’ Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.

Beneficiaries of various Central government schemes from Uttarakhand will be among the 1,700 people invited from across the country as special guests.

Dinesh Chandra Tripathi from a village in Nainital who is among the invitees from Uttarakhand, said it was a proud moment for him to be invited as a special guest to witness the Independence Day celebrations. Tripathi runs a Farmer Producer Organisation with 521 farmers.

Another FPO beneficiary, Bharat Singh Rautela from Jhala village in Uttarkashi district expressed a similar sentiment.

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J&K gears up for grand I-Day celebration

Lieutenant Governor urges the district administration to galvanize efforts and weave a tapestry of activities under the banner of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over a significant meeting, orchestrating a comprehensive review of the preparations for the forthcoming Independence Day celebrations across the mesmerizing expanse of Jammu Kashmir.

The meeting, a convergence of esteemed administrative and police officials, was a testament to the collective dedication to ensuring a splendid tribute to the nation’s 76th year of sovereignty.

Gracing the event were key figures in the administrative landscape, including Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, and Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, who together exemplified the essence of administrative prowess and unity.

The presence of administrative secretaries, ADGPs, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, SSPs, and other esteemed officers, both physically and virtually, emphasized the expansive scope and gravity of the occasion.

With an unwavering sense of duty and responsibility, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha embarked on a thorough assessment of the meticulously planned campaigns and events that are poised to grace the journey leading up to the grand Independence Day spectacle.

His resounding call for unity and collaboration echoed through the hallways, emphasizing the need to function as a harmonious entity in orchestrating initiatives like ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh,’ ‘Har Ghar Tiranga,’ and the iconic ‘Tiranga Yatra’ in the vibrant locales of Jammu and Srinagar.

“The spirit of ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ and ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ must unite us as we embark on this noble endeavour,” remarked the Lieutenant Governor, radiating confidence in the unwavering dedication of the people to be part of this monumental celebration.

A fervent directive followed, as the Lieutenant Governor ardently urged the district administration and various departments to galvanize their efforts and weave a tapestry of activities under the banner of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan’.

This call to action resonated deeply, transcending bureaucratic boundaries and ushering in a wave of commitment that promises to paint the region in the vibrant hues of the tricolour.

In a gesture that underscored the inclusive nature of the festivities, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha beckoned upon the common citizens to actively participate in the commemoration.

With a vision encompassing Public representatives, Youth Clubs, Civil Society, Self Help Groups, NCC Scouts and Guides, Army veterans, ex-servicemen, prominent citizens, and educational institutions, the Lieutenant Governor nurtured a collective spirit that embraced the true essence of unity.

“The celebration of Independence Day is a sacred festival that binds our society together with a thread of oneness and shared emotion,” emphasized the Lieutenant Governor, reminding all present that this occasion transcends the realms of mere governance and resonates as the heartbeat of the nation.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the culture department was entrusted with a unique responsibility — to meticulously chronicle the lives of the nation’s martyrs, immortalizing their sacrifice in the annals of history.

Additionally, the Lieutenant Governor’s vision extended to the majestic illumination of prominent edifices, picturesque tourist spots, and quaint border villages, resonating with the vibrant energy of patriotism. A symphony of activities honouring the eminent personalities who have been the cornerstones of nation-building would further enliven the celebrations.

Beyond the thematic orchestration, the meeting delved into the progress of ongoing developmental endeavours and the unwavering dedication of the district administrations to fulfil the envisioned targets. The room was an embodiment of a shared commitment, a mosaic of leaders dedicated to ushering their region into a future adorned with prosperity and progress.

UP’s grand plans

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanth on Tuesday said the 76th anniversary of the country’s independence will be celebrated in Uttar Pradesh by saluting the soil and worshipping the heroes (‘Mitti ko naman,veeron ka vandan’).

According to an official statement, the independence day celebrations in the state will kick off on Wednesday and will continue till August 15. The state government is planning to organise many events in villages, cities and the state capital, Lucknow.

On August 9, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will formally launch a week of programmes in Kakori by taking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Panch Prana’ pledge for Amrit Kaal, honouring families of fallen soildiers, and planting 75 saplings.

Reviewing preparations for the Independence Day celebrations, on Tuesday, the chief minister said it is a festival for every citizen. “Every state resident should participate in this. The main function, which will take place in the capital on August 15, should be broadcast live in all villages and towns,” CM Yogi was quoted as saying in an official release.

The CM also urged the people to hoist the Tricolour at their homes on Independence Day during the ‘Amritkal’.

Further, according to the official press note, this year, there will be a special performance by a cultural troupe of Sikkim State at the main I-Day function in the state. The CM directed the ministers in his government and the local public representatives to be present at the programmes lined up in the districts and local bodies.

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10,000 cops to guard Red Fort on I-Day

There will be a special focus this year on containing sub-conventional aerial objects and real-time coordination with intelligence and central agencies is being maintained along with interstate coordination…reports Asian Lite News

More than 10,000 police personnel would be deployed around the historic Red Fort on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day on August 15, the Delhi Police said on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation from the ramparts of the Mughal-era monument on Independence Day.

Like every year, the police said it has made elaborate security arrangements for Independence Day, which would be “flawless and foolproof”. “On the occasion of Independence Day, more than 10,000 police personnel would be deployed in different roles across the Red Fort and the routes leading to the venue. We have made flawless and foolproof security arrangements for the day,” said Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Dependra Pathak.

There will be a special focus this year on containing sub-conventional aerial objects and real-time coordination with intelligence and central agencies is being maintained along with interstate coordination, the officer said. “We are also carrying out a massive checking to detect the presence of IEDs (improvised explosive devices), if any. The staff is being briefed about adequate security, training and deployment as per plans,” he added.

In order to contain balloons and kite-flying, over 400 kite fliers have been deployed at the Red Fort and nearby areas, Pathak said. “We are also spreading awareness through residential welfare associations and market welfare associations. We are urging people to follow the advisory issued to ensure that kites, balloons or any kind of flying objects are not seen around the monument on August 15,” he said. 

During the prime minister’s Independence Day address in 2017, a kite had landed just below the podium. The prime minister had, however, continued with his address unfazed.

400 kite fliers deployed to contain balloons

There will be a special focus on containing sub-conventional aerial objects and real-time coordination with central agencies is being maintained, the officer said. In order to contain balloons and kite-flying, over 400 kite fliers have been deployed at the Red Fort.

ITBP Women troops conduct special patrol

In a remarkable display of patriotism towards the country, the women troops of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) carried out a special patrol themed at the Centre’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav ahead of India’s 75th Independence Day.

The patrol which was carried out in the border areas of Uttarakhand was led by all women soldiers who walked all the way to the height of 17,000 feet and later hoisted the tricolour with pride.

The video and pictures of the same were also shared on the official Twitter handle of the ITBP showing the proud troops walking during the patrol and holding the national flag. Notably, the gesture also marks promoting the government’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. ITBP as a whole has been carrying out several programs on a large scale for the past few days in a bid to encourage citizens to participate in the movement. 

It is pertinent to note that ITBP had women personnel on Border Out Posts since 2016 and so far the force has close to 2,500 women in its ranks.

Centre’s large-scale plans

The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign has been launched by the Ministry of Culture to mark the celebration of India’s 75th Independence Day. While the idea behind it is to invoke a feeling of patriotism among the people, large-scale preparations are being to involve more and more people in the movement. National flags are also being made in huge quantity keeping in view the demand among people.

As a part of the movement, the Centre has targeted to encourage the hoisting of the Tricolour atop more than 20 crore houses between August 13 and August 15.

While 100 crore people are expected to participate in the campaign to rededicate themselves to the service of Mother India, it will also greatly contribute to inculcating a new sense of patriotism among people, it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also called upon the people to participate in the campaign.

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‘Colours of Kolkata’ celebrating the diversity

“In future, eminent artists of Kolkata will be invited to help in creating such public art at prominent locations to make the City of Joy even more beautiful,” said Kapur…reports Saibal Gupta.

Art has a lot to speak. Though street art is common in the US, Australia and Europe, it has not been tried and tested in that manner in this country.

In an effort to add some colour to the City of Joy, an art campaign is being initiated on Independence Day where all the walls of the Tram Depots painted in different colours by the West Bengal Tramways Company.

The whole idea is to add some colour to the mundane streets. The campaign has been started by the West Bengal Transport Corporation. The art, celebrating Kolkata and its famous citizens, will be done on WBTC depot walls, mostly located in the heart of the city. The art works have been curated by WBTC in collaboration with a city-based artist, Mudar Patherya.

The initiative – ‘Colours of Kolkata’, is an effort to celebrate the diversity of Kolkata. This year also marks the 100th birth anniversary of Satyajit Ray and the 160th of Rabindranath Tagore. To begin with, street art has begun with these two stalwarts. The location is Park Circus; on the wall of a WBTC Tram Depot.

“A lot of times people spit and deface our depot walls. It looks bad. This would add an artsy touch to the art capital of India and also maybe discourage people from spoiling the walls,” said MD of WBTC Rajanvir Singh Kapur.

“In future, eminent artists of Kolkata will be invited to help in creating such public art at prominent locations to make the City of Joy even more beautiful,” said Kapur.

The Colours of Kolkata has already started from Park Circus and will cover the walls of most of the depots till Durga Puja. The next places in line are Tollygunge Tram Depot – opposite Tolly Club and then it will be extended to the Gariahat Depot, near Ballygunge Phari. The Gariahat Depot also houses the Tram World.

The Tram World was launched in December 2020 commemorating the 140th anniversary of the foundation of Calcutta Tramways Company in London. It’s one of a kind tram museum in the whole world.

“The objective of #coloursofkolkata is to utilise the public walls of the city to send out a singular message – that Kolkata is artistically and aesthetically one of the most vibrant cities of the country. I am thankful to WBTC for giving me this opportunity and the movement is intended to attract a variety of artists to help put the city’s best face forward,” said Patherya.

Once completed over all depot walls, this would be a one-of-its-kind initiative anywhere in an Indian city. Kolkata is known as the art capital of India and this will only add to its glory.

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INS Tabar hosts I-Day ceremony at Portsmouth

During the stay in harbour, the harbour phase of the exercise progressed from 13 to 16 August. Several professional interactions, sharing of best practices and harbour drills were also conducted…reports Asian Lite News.

Indian Navy’s frontline frigate, INS Tabar arrived at Portsmouth harbour last week for a good will visit and to undertake the Annual Bilateral Exercise Konkan between the Indian Navy and Royal Navy.

On the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day, the National Flag was unfurled at the Indian Navy frontline frigate docked at Portsmouth harbour.

This year’s edition annual bilateral naval exercise ‘Exercise Konkan’ commenced on 12 August when Indian Navy and Royal Navy met for exercises at sea, before Tabar entered Portsmouth harbour.

During the stay in harbour, the harbour phase of the exercise progressed from 13 to 16 August. Several professional interactions, sharing of best practices and harbour drills were also conducted.

The exercise will continue at sea till today, wherein Tabar will meet up with the frontline Royal Navy ship along with shore based aircraft, for air defence exercises, anti-submarine procedures, replenishment at sea activities, and communication drills at Sea.

A highlight of the exercise will be the cross deck helicopter operations, wherein helicopters will carry out landing procedures.

High Commissioner HE Gaitri Issar Kumar said: “The Indian Navy and Royal Navy share unique historical ties. They have been conducting the bilateral naval exercise, ‘Konkan’, every year since 2004. We have been looking forward to the goodwill visit of INS Tabar, a front-line frigate of the Indian Navy. Its joint exercises, along with HMS Westminster of the Royal Navy are aimed at enhancing interoperability, synergy and cooperation between both navies.”

“I welcome Captain Mahesh Mangipudi and all Ranks of INS Tabar. I have no doubt that their visit to Portsmouth, hosted by the Royal Navy will contribute to further strengthening the friendly contacts and cooperation between both Navies. I wish both INS Tabar and HMS Westminster a very successful engagement,” she added.

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Belgium’s iconic building marks India’s I-Day

A series of events are being organised across the country to mark the occasion…reports Asian Lite News.

Tricolour on the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day.

Chateau de Petite Somme is situated in Belgium’s hills of Ardennes and houses the Krishna temple, Indian Embassy in Kabul informed in a tweet.

India is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence amid patriotic fervour. A series of events are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.

Meanwhile, the Indian embassy in Bhutan, Madagascar and Mauritius also reflected the hues of tri-colours to mark the celebrations for India’s Independence Day. (ANI)

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