78th Independence Day celebrated with patriotic fervour, gaiety across Jammu division

JAMMU, AUGUST 15: In a vibrant display of national pride, the Jammu division marked the 78th Independence Day with spirited celebrations in all the districts across the division. From colourful parades and flag-hoisting ceremonies to cultural performances and community gatherings, the day was filled with a palpable sense of unity and patriotism, reflecting the deep-rooted commitment to the nation’s freedom and progress.

At Kathua: The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor and great enthusiasm at Kathua district headquarters.

The main function was held at Sports Stadium, Kathua where DDC Chairman Col (Retd) Mahan Singh hoisted the National Flag and took salute from mega parade comprising of 46 contingents drawn from District Police, Police Training School, IRP, NCC boys and Girls, Bands and tiny platoons from various Government and Private schools.

In his address, the DDC Chairman recalled the sacrifices made by freedom fighters to secure independence for the country. He commemorated all the brave soldiers and policemen who laid down their lives while fighting for the nation. He appealed to the citizens to serve the nation with devotion, honesty and truthfulness.

Describing Independence Day as the most significant day in India’s history, the DDC Chairman stated, “On this day, the dawn of independence broke over our motherland, marking India’s emergence as a free and sovereign nation after a long and arduous struggle.”

The DDC Chairperson highlighted India’s growing global influence, noting its steadfast progress across all sectors. He emphasized that under the vision of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, India is advancing towards becoming a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ fostering a renewed spirit of national integration to achieve new heights.

The DDC Chairman lauded the efforts of district administration who he said “toiling hard and working in close coordination with PRIs to realize the objective of sustainable and all round development”.

A colourful cultural programme and a Mass Drill by groups of different school students steal the show.

The DDC Chairperson also gave away prizes and trophies to the participating performers, outstanding achievers and competition winners of DIPR J&K.
DC Kathua Rakesh Minhas, SSP, Anayat Ali Chaudhary, DDC Members, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Ranjit Singh, CPO Ranjit Thakur, ACD Akhil Sadotra, ACR, Vishav Partap Singh, Tehsildar, District Officers, prominent citizens, Ex Servicemen were present on the occasion.

Earlier, District Information Centre, Kathua in the wee hours played Shahnai Vadan at DC office complex and SSP office.

At Doda: The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm, national pride, and a strong commitment to development in Doda. The main event took place at the Sports Stadium, Doda, where District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, Dhananter Singh Kotwal, hoisted the tricolor amidst spirited celebrations.

Following the flag hoisting, he inspected the parade and took the salute from JK Police, IR 5th Battalion, CRPF 76th Battalion, FPF, Home Guards, NCC, and schoolchildren. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice Chairperson DDC Doda, Sangeeta Rani Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, SSP Doda, Javid Iqbal,, ADDC Doda, Pran Singh, district officers and other distinguished figures from the civil and police departments.

In his address, DDC Chairman emphasized the significance of Independence Day as a tribute to the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom.

He highlighted the importance of unity in diversity and reaffirmed the district’s commitment to these principles. He also reflected on the progress made by India under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, noting the country’s remarkable GDP growth and the district’s growing importance in various sectors. Kotwal assured that ongoing mega projects, including further development of GMC Doda, would be completed on time. He also mentioned that the district is emerging as a tourism hub, with several road connectivity projects underway, including the Chamba Road.

Further, DDC Chairman highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance sports infrastructure in the district, announcing the sanctioning of Rs 3 crore for the construction of three new stadiums by the UT government.

He also discussed the upcoming improvements to the infrastructure and facilities for the famous Kailash Yatra. Moreover, he praised the district administration’s initiatives to spread awareness about government-sponsored schemes for unemployed youth and emphasized that all eligible individuals in the district are receiving benefits under the PMAY scheme. He concluded by stressing the need to fulfill Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global leader once again.

At Bhaderwah, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Doda, Sudershan Kumar hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march past contingents during a colorful patriotic event held at New Bus Stand Bhaderwah.

Similar functions were held at all Sub-Divisional and Tehsil levels across the district, where respective Sub Divisional Magistrates and Tehsildars hoisted the national flag and inspected the parade. The celebrations across the district were marked by a deep sense of patriotism, unity, and commitment to national progress.

AT Ramban: The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at the District Police Lines (DPL) Ramban. District Development Council Chairperson, Dr. Shamshad Shan, hoisted the tricolor and took the salute from the March Past.

The ceremony began with the hoisting of the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem. Dr. Shamshad Shan inspected the parade and took the salute of the contingents from Jammu and Kashmir Police, IRP, FPF, Home Guards, and School Children.

Deputy Commissioner, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, SSP, Anuj Kumar, ADDC Roshan Lal, ADC Varunjeet Singh Charak, DPO ICDS Jahangir Hashmi, senior officers of Civil and Police administration, and prominent citizens attended the function.

Vice-Chairperson DDC, Ramban, Rabia Beigh was the guest of honour and the DDC Councillors were key guests on the occasion.

In her address, Dr. Shamshad Shan paid tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Independence. She emphasized the importance of unity, integrity, patriotism, and encouraged the youth to contribute to the nation’s progress.

In her address, the Chairperson appreciated the efforts of District Administration and general public in making Swachhta Pakhwada, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, Ek Ped Shaheedon Ke Naam and Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign a lively and high spirited movements bring behavioural changes among public in keeping the surroundings clean, green, hygienic and instilling values of patriotism, unity, peace and prosperity.

The DDC Chairperson gave a brief account of the mega developmental projects completed in the district during the previous year and sanctioned projects for the current year. The Chairperson also listed the achievements made by the different departments under different schemes.

She said that last financial year allocation under the District Plan was 61.07 crore out of which 59 crore were utilised and 2426 works were completed and dedicated to the public.

This year the approved outlay under the District Plan is 70 crore. In RDD under MGNREGA during current financial year till yesterday 3.28 lakhs of Man days were generated at more than 4000 ongoing works, and 23845 houses have been constructed till now in the district under PMAY-G and AWAAS plus, giving homeless destitute people a permanent home and a dignified life. Under the PWD (R&B) sector, Rural Infrastructure Development Funds, 49 mega projects have been taken up with 236 crore allocation. Work is underway in 93 JJM schemes to ensure regular safe drinking water to every household in the district.

Taking forward the vision of Prime Minister in doubling the farmer’s income, under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) 3253 applications have been approved for providing Agricultural tools, machinery, and new opportunities for establishing their Agricultural Entrepreneurship units. Social Welfare is giving pension assistance to around 19803 destitute people, and has assisted 1150 poor girls under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme. Chairperson also counted unprecedented development in the district under PMGSY, Education, ICDS, Skill Development, PM- Vishwakarma, Mission Youth, PMEGP, RDSS, Animal Husbandry, Revenue record digitization and its Geo referencing, Roof Top Solar Power Programme, PM Kussam, Health and other sectors.

She further said that the fight against drugs is a fight for our future. “I’m concerned that the number of individuals seeking treatment for drug de-addiction in Ramban has increased from 22 last year to 122 this year. We need to intensify our efforts under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to create a drug-free society and support those struggling with addiction”, the DDC Chairperson added.

DC Ramban Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary while wishing the Ramban Public on 78th Independence Day, from DPL Ground has urged to remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and martyrs. He said we have come a long way since 1947, but our journey towards a more prosperous, developed and just society continues. He strives for unity, integrity, and patriotism. DC advocated to work together to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our nation.

On the occasion, a colourful cultural programme based on patriotism was also presented by the students of various schools and local artists which enthralled the audience.

Later, the Chief Guest along with other dignitaries felicitated the participants of cultural programmes and march-past besides various officers and officials for their outstanding performances in their respective fields.

Similar I-Day celebrations were held at Sub Division, Tehsil, Block, Panchayats and Institution level across the district Ramban.

At Rajouri: The 78th Independence Day was observed across the district with great fervour and national spirit. The main function was organized at DPL ground Rajouri where the chief guest, District Development Council Chairman, Naseem Liyaqat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute to the march past in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat.

The contingents of JKAP, JK Executive Police, JK police band, CRPF, JK FPF, and SPO, NCC and contingents of different schools participated in the March past while DySP, Naveed Ahmed Qazi commanded the parade.

While speaking on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, the Chairman of District Development Council Rajouri highlighted the numerous developmental strides taken in the district. He informed that a substantial amount of ₹998 crores has been sanctioned for various projects in the current financial year. Under the Awas Plus initiative, an impressive total of 12,000 houses have been completed.

He also informed that the formation of 3,231 self-help groups (SHGs) in the district stands as a testament to the empowerment of local communities, fostering self-reliance and collective growth. In a commendable effort under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), 16,772 households have received free rations. In the education sector, the district has made7 significant progress, with 80,000 free books distributed to students. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), 298 schemes have been approved, with work progressing rapidly to ensure that every household has access to clean and safe drinking water.

“The completion of 18 schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the blacktopping of 39 kilometers of road are further steps toward improving connectivity and infrastructure in the district. Financial support remains a priority, with 5,503 cases sanctioned under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, providing much-needed financial assistance to the farming community. Additionally, 1,288 cases have also been sanctioned under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS), offering crucial aid to eligible families”, he added.

He also underscored the proactive measures in combating drug abuse, with the establishment of a Drug De-Addiction Centre and an Addiction Treatment Facility. He assured that all works are being closely monitored to maintain transparency and efficiency. In his closing remarks, he reiterated the unwavering commitment of the district to uphold the spirit of brotherhood and unity, which has been the cornerstone of progress of the Rajouri district. He called upon all citizens to work together towards the collective goal of a prosperous and harmonious district.

Students with academic excellence were felicitated on the occasion. Officers and officials were also felicitated for their excellence in public service delivery. The Independence Day celebrations event was well coordinated and managed by the stage secretaries, Professor, Iqbal Raina and Sumit Bhargav.

Prominent who were present on the occasion were District and Session Judge, RN Wattal; DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range, Tijender Singh; SSP, Randeep Kumar; 2nd IC 72 Bn CRPF, Vivek Sakseena; ADDC, Dr Raj Kumar Thapa; Additional District and Session Judge, Mehmood Ahmed Chowdhary; DDC Member Budhal Old, Shazia Kouser; DDC Member Darhal, Iqbal Malik; ADC Rajouri, Rajeev Kumar Khajuria; Principal GMC, Amar Jeet Singh; ; SE PWD(R&B), Devi Dayal ;ASP, Musadiq Majid Basu; Town Commander, Major Muneesh Chowhan; CPO, Maqsood Ahmed; ACP, Sheraz Chowhan; AC Defence, Israr Ahmed; ACD, Vijay Kumar; Dy.DEO Shakeel Mir; DSEO, Sandeep Sharma; DIO, Mohammad Nawaz Choudhary; CMO, Dr Manohar Rana; Executive Engineer PWD, PDD, Jal Shakti, Executive Officer Municipal Council Rajouri and other officers and the public thronged the venue to witness the grand celebrations of the national event.

AT UDHAMPUR: The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervor across district Udhampur.

The main function was held at Government PG Degree College, Boys Udhampur, wherein District Development Council Chairman, Lal Chand was the chief guest, who hoisted the National flag and took salute from an impressive march past of 30 contingents drawn from J&K Police, SKPA, NCC and other Civil troups besides Police Band, took part in this national function.

DDC Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania, DIG Udhampur – Reasi Range Rayees Mohammad Bhat, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur Saloni Rai, Senior Superintendent of Police, Joginder Singh, Additional District Development Commissioner, Rajinder Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Joginder Singh Jasrotia, DDCs, Senior officers from District Administration, Police, Indian Army, Air Force, CRPF, ITBP and BSF besides prominent citizens of the district were present.

While extending his heartiest greetings to everyone on the ocassion of Independence Day. He said that this is a day of great significance, a day that reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices of our forefathers who bravely fought against colonial rule to gift us the precious treasure of freedom.

He added that today, we stand together, proud citizens of India, celebrating not only our nation’s past achievements but also its ongoing journey towards progress and development. He further said that our country has come a long way since its independence in 1947, and as we mark this day, we must recognize the remarkable strides that we have taken as a united and thriving nation.

He added that Independence Day is a time to remember their bravery and dedication. Because of their relentless efforts, we enjoy the priceless gift of freedom and sovereignty. Our nation stands as a beacon of hope, bringing together people from all walks of life, cultures, and religions to build a stronger and more prosperous India. He added that under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir Union is embracing the path of development and prosperity. We are guided by the principle of “one nation, one vision, and one identity,” and this ethos resonates deeply within the heart of every citizen of our great land.

He said that Udhampur District is also reaping fruits of development as a number of major development projects/schemes which are at the verge of completion like National Highway (NH-244) Project, Government Medical College Udhampur, Up-gradation of Government ANM School Udhampur to Govt Nursing College Udhampur by way of addition/ alteration/ construction of additional block, Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP), Jal Jeevan Mission, public darbars/ Block Diwas for on spot redressal of grievances of the general public at their door steps , Awareness Campaign under Viksit Bharat, Swacch Bharat Mission, Swachhta Pakhwada. The completion of these projects/schemes will ensure the overall development of the District and will also change the prospective of the people towards life and prosperity.

He reiterated that UT Administration as well as District Administration has taken up several initiatives for the benefit of general public and effective delivery of services. DDC Chairperson added that under District Capex Budget, during the financial year 2023-24, 2493 works were completed by utilizing funds amounting to Rs 63.67 Crore were utilized. DDC Chairperson further said that the Government Medical College, Udhampur is a major project of District Udhampur which is currently under execution at an approved cost of Rs. 325.00 Crore and targeted to be completed by March, 2025.

He said that under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP), 29 key projects of Agriculture and allied sectors are operating in the District Udhampur aimed at enhancing agriculture productivity and sustainability. He further said that the District Udhampur has achieved 100% saturation under KCC, PM KISAN. A total of 63,880 (100%) Soil Health Card stands issued in the District.

Under Integrated dairy development Programme, during the year 2024-25, 55 IDDS Units of 24 Beneficiaries have been approved amounting to Subsidy of Rs 50 Lacs for establishment of Dairy units. DDC Chairperson said that under Jal Jeevan Mission, a total of 150 numbers of schemes are sanctioned for providing a functional household tap connection to every household of District Udhampur.

DDC Chairperson informed that Public Works Department has completed 114 Nos. of schemes during 2023-24 and has taken up and 38 Schemes for the year 2024-25. 10 Projects including Salmay Bridge submitted for approval under NABARD during current year 2024-25. He added that under Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, 34 schemes completed during 2023-24 and 04 Schemes completed upto July 2024.

DDC Chairperson informed that five villages namely Sounthan, Gandala, Jandrari, Tajoor and Baryal were declared as Adarsh Gram Villages and 110 students got skill training in different trade under Skill development component of SCA to SCSP scheme during the year 2023-24.
He added that in District Udhampur, a total of 75 start ups have been registered till date.10 cases are approved for multiple supports by the JKEDI department which will be given aid/grant amounting to Rs. 20.00 Lacs each. He informed that the celebration of Swacchta Pakhwada is going on District Udhampur with full velour to make our District, city, village, Panchayat neat and clean under “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and “Ek Ped Shaheedon Ke Naam”. He added that 21 number of Government schools in Udhampur district have been renamed in honour of the brave martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the nation during Swachhta Pakhwada campaign.

Various Scintillating cultural programmes reflecting patriotism and rich cultural and theme based were also presented by the students of educational institutions which highly enthralled the audience.

At Ramnagar, the Independence Day function was held in the premises of Government Model Higher Secondary School, wherein SDM Ramnagar Rafiq Ahmad jaral unfurled the Tricolour.

Similarly, the Independence Day functions were also organized at Tehsil and Sub Divisional levels.

Later, at home was hosted by the District Administration at Riwayat Banquet Hall where a cultural performance was organized by the Information Department and the District Administration.

AT POONCH: The 78th Independence Day was today celebrated with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit at Sports Stadium Poonch wherein District Development Council Chairperson, Tazeem Akhter hoisted the National Flag and took salute.

Guard of honour was presented by JK Police which was followed by March past of contingents of JKP, CRPF, JKAP, NCC , J&K Home Guards, J&K Police QRT Commando, J&K Police Band and various Educational Institutions of the District.

Vice Chairperson DDC Poonch Ashfaq Ahmed, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Yasin M. Choudhary, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Yougal Manhas, DDC Members, ADDC Sandesh Kumar Sharma, ADC Tahir Mustafa Malik, PO ICDS Khalid Hussain Wafa, ACR, ACD, District Social Welfare Officer Wakeel Ahmed Batt besides other officers from Civil, Police, Judiciary, Ex Legislators, prominent citizens, social workers, political activists, large number of men, women and children were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the DDC Chairperson Tazeem Akhter congratulated the people of poonch for the 78th Independence day. She highlighted the sacrifices of our brave freedom fighters in achieving Independence. She stated that it is the most significant day in the history of India. She also highlighted the success of “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign.

During her speech, she quoted that the Nation is growing fast and the developmental activities in the district are going at full swing like the other parts of the country.

She counted numerous ongoing and proposed developmental projects in the district. She added that under the district capex budget, 3150 works have been allotted, out of which 113 works were completed and the remaining are in Progress.

She added that Govt. India launched a postal stamp in the memory of Choudhary Wazir Mohammad Hakla from Poonch.

She added that there are Social Welfare Departments is providing Pension benefits to 60,000 people and have also provided financial assistance to 2250 girls in the district under marriage assistant Scheme to help with their marriage.

She added that under the PMAY scheme 36671 houses out of 49306 sanctioned were completed. Under PM Kisan Samma Nidhi Scheme 40482 farmers were benefited.

She added that clock tower at Nakha wali Chowk and Welcome Gate near Sher-e-Kashmir bridge Poonch have been approved by UT of J&K.

She appealed to the Youth to actively participate in the drug free campaign and make the district drug free.

She also congratulates JK Police for maintaining law and order in the district.

She further stressed the people of Poonch to work with enthusiasm for promoting national integration, communal harmony, and peace in the district.

During the Celebrations, various cultural items based on the theme of nationalism and integrity were presented by the students of degree College/Schools and other Cultural groups of the district.

The programme culminated with the distribution of prizes among the participants. Trophies and mementos were presented to the winners of march past prade and cultural activities.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Yasin M. Choudhary hoisted the flag at DC Office Poonch. Additional District Development Commissioner Poonch Tahir Mustafa hoisted the National flag at the Poonch Fort (Qila).

Independence Day was celebrated across all the Government Offices, Degree Colleges, Govt ITIs & Polytechnic Colleges, Schools and also at Block and Panchayat Level where concerned BDC Chairpersons/Sarpanches hoisted the National Flag.

The Deputy Commissioner Poonch also participated in the Plantation Drive as a part of “Ek ped Maa ke Naam” campaign organised by Forest department Poonch.

As a part of the ceremony ‘At Home’ function was also organized by the Deputy Commissioner. During the programme various artists and groups of District Poonch enthralled the audience with the colorful performances.

AT SAMBA: The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at Rani Suchet Singh Stadium, Samba where District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, Keshav Dutt Sharma, hoisted the National Flag, followed by a ceremonial salute to the parade commander and the participating contingents.
He also inspected the parade formations, showcasing the discipline and coordination of the participants.

In his address, DDC Chairman Keshav Dutt Sharma extended his heartfelt congratulations to all present and highlighted the invaluable contributions of freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose. He emphasized the sacrifices made by these leaders in the pursuit of India’s independence and urged everyone to honor their legacy by contributing to the nation’s development.

“We must all work together to realize the vision of a Vikshit Bharat, where every citizen can live happily and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress,” he said. The Chairman also underscored the importance of education as a vital tool for revolutionizing other sectors, the need to develop advanced technology, and the role of youth in shaping a better future.

The parade at the event featured contingents from various forces, including the Police, IRP, JKAP, CISF, Ex-Servicemen, Home Guard, JKP Band, JK Scouts & Guides, Army Piper, NCC, and students from different schools across District Samba. Their disciplined march and coordinated formations were met with applause from the audience.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, students from various schools presented colorful cultural programs, including patriotic songs and local tunes that resonated with the audience and received widespread acclaim.

The event concluded with the felicitation of students and participants who had excelled in various performances.

Deputy Commissioner Samba, Abhishek Sharma also acknowledged the dedication of various departments and felicitated the best-performing officials for their outstanding contributions.

The Independence Day celebration was graced by several dignitaries, including SSP Samba Vinay Sharma, ADDC Champa Devi, ADC Suresh Sharma, ACR, GM DIC, CPO, CEO, Heads of Departments from various line departments, students, media persons, and officers from other security agencies.

AT KISHTWAR: Amid mild rain showers, the 78th Independence Day was today celebrated across the district Kishtwar with great enthusiasm, fervor and national spirit at district, block and tehsil headquarters besides in all govt offices and Educational Institutions.

The main function was held here in the premises at Chowgan Ground Kishtwar. The Programme started with Shehnai Vadan by DIC Kishtwar and National Anthem by troop of School students.

Chairperson District Development Council Kishtwar Mrs. Pooja Thakur who was Chief guest on the occasion accompanied by DC Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav and SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom hoisted the tricolor and took salute of March past from the contingents drawn from District police, CRPF, CISF, IRPF, Forest Protection Force, Students of Different Schools, NCC wing (Boys and Girls) GDC Kishtwar and Home guard. The parade was commanded by DySP Headquarter Dr Ishan Gupta.

Among main dignitaries were Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav, Senior Superintendent Police Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom, ADDC Kishtwar Ghulam Rasool, ADC Kishtwar Pawan Kotwal, ASP Pawan Sharma, ACR Kishtwar Idrees Lone, ACD Phulail Singh besides the district officers of civil administration, police, army, CISF, prominent persons of the society, social workers and political leaders, media persons were also present.

In the event, Cultural and patriotic presentations were also performed by school Students.

Dedicated officers, Persons, students with meritorious and exemplary work were conferred awards and the best performances in the event were felicitated on the occasion by Chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion DDC Chairperson Kishtwar extended heartiest greetings to the people of the Kishtwar on this auspicious occasion of National importance and highlighted the sacrifices of the frontline leaders and heroes during freedom struggle.

During her speech she listed the achievements made in the developmental sector in the district. She sought the cooperation of the people of Kishtwar in the implementation of the various schemes besides emphasised upon the officers to adopt proactive and collaborative approach in giving impetus to the developmental tempo of the region.
AT REASI: The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm at various locations across the Reasi district. The main celebration took place at the General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium Reasi, where DDC Chairman, Saraf Singh Nag, hoisted the National Flag and took salute to the march past.

Impressive contingents from JK Police, CRPF, Boys and Girls wings of NCC battalions, along with band squads of the Police, showcased a remarkable Parade. Different government departments, including Agriculture, NRLM, Social Welfare & Cooperative, displayed welfare schemes through placards, emphasizing their commitment to citizen well-being.

Remembering the contribution of freedom fighters, DDC Chairperson said that we are able celebrate this day due to their struggles. The DDC chairperson also highlighted the post-independence challenges the country faced and said we can’t forget the brave soldiers who sacrificed their life to safeguard the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

“This day also offers us an opportunity to pay our tributes and recall their contribution in building this great nation”, he added.

The DDC Chairperson also listed the flagship schemes and numerous developmental projects completed and undertaken in the Reasi district by the government to create a strong infrastructure base. He said the administration is trying its best to lead Reasi district on the glorious path of development and prosperity.

The event featured a vibrant cultural program showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage, presented by students from various participating institutions.

On the occasion, District Administration also presented mementos and certificates of commendation to District Officers, who exhibited exemplary work ethics and professionalism.

Independence Day celebrations cascaded across Sub-division, Tehsil, and Block Headquarters in the district, symbolizing unity and patriotism at every administrative level.

District Development Commissioner Reasi Vishesh Mahajan, SSP Mohita Sharma, CO IRP 1st Battalion Anita Sharma, Principal STC Talwara Jameel Ahmed, ADC Kulbhushan Khajuria, PO Poshan Mohammad Anwar Banday, ACP Pardeep Kumar, CEO, CAO, XENs, DIO (Info) and other senior district officers and officials were present on the occasion.