Kashmir commemorates 78th Independence Day with Pride & Unity

Chairpersons of DDCs hoist National Flag; pay tributes to martyrs, highlight developmental tempos

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 14: The 78th Independence Day was today celebrated with a renewed sense of patriotism and solidarity across Kashmir, with the main function held at Bakshi Stadium, here to honor this historic occasion reflecting the rich cultural heritage and resilient spirit of the Kashmiri people.

The day was marked by a series of events, including flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural performances, and tributes to the freedom fighters who have shaped the nation’s journey held across all the districts.

Apart from the main function, the celebrations were held in all districts where the District Development Council (DDC) Chairman/ Chairperson hoisted the tricolour and addressed the participants.

This year’s celebrations hold particular significance, with ‘Swachhta Pakhwada,’ a fortnight-long cleanliness campaign launched by the Government of India under the Swachh Bharat Mission, held to accelerate efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage. Plantation drives were organized under the theme ‘Ek Ped Shaheedon Ke Naam’ to pay rich tributes to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, and Tiranga Rallies were also held as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.

In Anantnag, the Independence Day was celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm with the main function held at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Govt. Degree College Boys Anantnag, where Chairman District Development Council Anantnag, Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi hoisted the National Flag and took salute at the parade.

The march past was presented by the contingents from CRPF, J&K Police, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, Fire & Emergency, NCC and various schools.

Deputy Inspector General South Kashmir Range, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Senior Superintendent of Police, members of the District Development Council, Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, officers from Army, paramilitary, Assistant Commissioners (Revenue & Development), Chief Medical Officer among others attended the main function.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman DDC said that the nation is paying rich tributes to the leaders, freedom fighters and martyrs who made countless sacrifices for the freedom of the country. Glorifying their contributions, he said that it is the result of their supreme efforts that we are living in a free country.

He also highlighted the developmental milestones that the district has achieved in education, healthcare, district capex, agriculture and allied sectors, women and youth empowerment, MGNREGA, water and electricity supply and rural development etc. He also thanked the general public for their cordial support during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024.

On the occasion, colourful cultural programmes on patriotic themes were presented by the students from various educational institutions. The ceremony concluded with prize distribution for March past and cultural achievements. Employees from various departments were also felicitated for exemplary public service.

The celebrations were also held at Deputy Commissioner’s Office Anantnag where the National Flag was hoisted by DC Anantnag SF.Hamid.

Similar functions were also held at Sub Divisional Headquarters, Tehsil Headquarters and Community Development blocks and various other public offices.

In Baramulla, the main Independence Day 2024 function was held at Showkat Ali Sports Stadium, Baramulla. Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC), Safina Baigh, ceremoniously hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute during the March Past.

The Parade comprised contingents from BSF, CRPF, J&K police, Sashastra Seema Bal, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, NCC cadets from Govt. Degree College Baramulla, Boys’ Higher Secondary Baramulla and various schools and colleges.

In her address, the DDC Chairperson extended her Independence Day greetings to the people of Baramulla and paid a heartfelt tribute to the brave freedom fighters, honoring their immense sacrifices and unwavering courage that paved the way for India’s independence.

The Chairperson further highlighted the district’s significant accomplishments across various key sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), rural development, road connectivity, social welfare, self-employment and implementation of various centrally & UT sponsored schemes including HADP, PM-Vishwakarma and others.

Meanwhile, a variety of cultural programmes were presented on the occasion by the students from various schools on the themes of social awareness, unity, rich Kashmiri culture, patriotism and others.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir, Vivek Gupta; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa; SSP Baramulla, Amod Nagpure, Additional District Development Commissioner, DDC members, Officers of Army and Police, District and sectoral officers, heads of different departments, besides a huge gathering of people participated in the Independence Day celebrations.

The ceremony culminated with presentation of awards for the march past and cultural performances. Additionally, employees from various departments were also honored for their outstanding contributions in public service during the past year.

In a similar function organized at DC Office Complex, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa hoisted the tricolor and took the salute during the ceremony. In presence of ADDC, ACR, CPO, DIO, and other district officers and officials.

Meanwhile, Independence Day functions were also organized with enthusiasm and fervor at Sub-divisions Sopore, Pattan, Uri, Tangmarg and Tehsil levels where the concerned authorities hoisted the tri-color.

In Budgam, the Independence Day 2024 was celebrated with full zeal and patriotic fervour across the District Budgam today.

The main function was held at Sports Stadium Budgam, where Chairman DDC Budgam, Nazir Ahmad Khan hoisted the National flag and took salute at the march-past parade.

Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo; SSP Budgam, Nikhil Borkar; ADDC, ADC, ASP and all other District and Sectoral officers participated in this festive event.
Officers from Army and Paramilitary Forces were also present on the occasion.

The contingents of CRPF, JKP, IRP, JKAP, JKHG, NCC and school contingents from different schools also participated in the march-past parade.

The Chairman DDC in his address congratulated the participants for celebrating Independence Day-2024 with gaiety and fervor. He paid rich tributes to the martyrs and remembered their sacrifices on the day.

Khan highlighted the development works carried out by the Government in the district during the year and deliberated on the ongoing developmental process under various sectors and heads. He appreciated the District Administration Budgam for completion of various projects and dedicating them to the general public in a time bound manner.

On the occasion, various colourful cultural programs like Rouf, Ladishah, patriotic songs, Bangda, Gazals, skits were also presented.

The prizes and appreciation certificates from Police and Civil administration were also given to the best performing contingents and other civil/police employees for their commendable and meritorious public service.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Akshay Labroo also hoisted the National Flag at DC Office and extended his greetings to the people of Budgam.

In Ganderbal, the 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit at Qamaria Stadium Ganderbal today.

The event was marked by the hoisting of the National Flag by the District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Nuzhat Ishfaq, who also took the salute during an impressive march-past presented by contingents from the JKP, CRPF, SSB, PTS Manigam, Home Guards, SPO Ganderbal, and students from various schools.

A vibrant cultural program followed, featuring patriotic songs and traditional folk dances performed by students.

In her address, DDC Chairperson Nuzhat Ishfaq emphasized the importance of celebrating Independence Day and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the nation’s freedom fighters.

The Chairperson also highlighted several developmental achievements in the district across various sectors. She noted that a new era of development has begun in both Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in Ganderbal district, with a strong focus on enhancing infrastructure, ensuring public safety, empowering women, improving public health, and exploring new avenues for social welfare.

The event concluded with the distribution of prizes to students and contingents who participated in the march-past and cultural performances. Several officers and officials who demonstrated remarkable dedication in their duties were also felicitated.

The Independence Day celebrations were attended by Deputy Commissioner, Shyambir; Vice Chairperson DDC, Bilal Ahmad Sheikh; SSP Ganderbal Sandeep Gupta; along with ADDC, ADC, DDC members, and various officers and officials from the Police and District Administration.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner hoisted the tricolor at the Mini Secretariat Complex and DC residence, in the presence of ADDC, ADC, ACR, and other district officers and officials.

Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held at Sub-Division, Block, Tehsil, and Panchayat levels across the district.

In Kupwara, the main Independence day function was held at District Police Lines (DPL) Kupwara where Chairman District Development Council Kupwara, Irfan Sultan Panditpori hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at March-past which was presented by contingents of CRPF, Women battalion of JKP, IRP, JKP, Home Guards, FPF, Special Commandos of police, NCC Cadets and school children.

Vice Chairman DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan; SSP Kupwara, Shobbit Saxena; ADC, DDC Members, District officers, officials of all departments and a large number of people from different areas were present.

Addressing the Independence Day function, the Chairman highlighted the historical background of Independence Day and highlighted the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the armed forces.

He also highlighted developmental achievements of Kupwara district and said that the district is marching ahead socio-economically in the UT of J&K.

The Chairman congratulated Deputy Commissioner Kupwara and her team of officers for putting best efforts in taking Kupwara district to new heights of development and progress.

Earlier, the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara and SSP Kupwara paid floral tributes at Martyr’s Memorial.

The best part of the programme was the presentation of Tableaus (Jankis) to showcase various government schemes, initiatives, and achievements.

A variety of cultural and patriotic performances were the highlight of the Independence Day celebrations, which captivated the audience with their vibrant displays of national pride, art and cultural richness.

District administration in collaboration with social forestry department Kupwara organized a plantation drive under the theme “Ek Ped Shaheedo Ke Naam” during the Independence Day event to honour the martyrs while contributing to environmental conservation, which served as a powerful tribute, symbolizing the growth and prosperity that the sacrifices of martyrs have made possible.

Awards were also given to various Officers, officials, students and citizens for their good work.

Similar functions were also held at Handwara, Lolab sub division, Karnah sub division, where concerned heads ADC hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and took salute at march past

Similar celebrations were also held at all Tehsil, block Headquarters, Panchayats and Education institutions of the district.
In Kulgam, the main function was held at District Police Lines Kulgam where Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march past presented by the contingents of CRPF, JKP, JKP Ladies Police Group, District police band and Home guard, NCC besides school children and other contingents.

Deputy Commissioner, Athar Aamir Khan, SSP Sahil Sarangal Commandant CRPF and officers and officials from civil, and police administration were present at the event.
Besides DDC members, a large number of people from various areas of the District also attended the celebrations.

In his address, the DDC Chairman extended greetings of the day to the people and recalled the sacrifices made by the freedom fighter for the freedom of the country and paid rich tributes to them.

He also highlighted the developmental scenario of the district and achievements registered by district administration in different sectors besides implementation of welfare schemes.

On the occasion, multiple colourful, scintillating cultural programmes were also presented which enthralled the audience.
Later, a prize distribution ceremony was organized in which officers, officials, sports persons, students, social workers and others were felicitated.
In a similar function at the mini-secretariat Kulgam, the Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan hoisted the national flag.
Meanwhile functions were also held at Sub Division Noorabad D.H Pora where SDM Bashir Ul Hassan hoisted the National Flag.
Flag hoisting were also held at Blocks, tehsils level, health institutes, Municipalities, Panchayats, schools, colleges and all other institutions and departments.
In Bandipora, a grand event was held at S.K. Stadium to commemorate Independence Day, where Chairperson District Development Council, Abdul Gani Bhat hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute from the march-past.
Besides Deputy Commissioner, Shakeel ul Rehman and Sr. Superintendent of Police Lakshay Sharma, the Independence Day celebrations witnessed the participation of all the senior officers of the civil and police administration, DDC members, other public representatives, and a large gathering of the general public.
The March past was presented by contingents comprising CRPF 3rd battalion, J&K Executive Police, J&K-IRP, JKP Women Platoon – District Police Bandipora, J&K Fire and Emergency, SPOs, Home Guard, NCC, Army Goodwill School Bandipora, High School Bagh, Higher Secondary Quil Muqam, Gujjar & Bakerwal Hostel, Space Age Model School, Higher Secondary Aloosa, Higher Secondary Aragam, Higher Secondary School Nadihal, HSS Arin, and IDPS, followed by the Police Band Group.
In his address, Chairperson DDC highlighted the district’s developmental strides and future plans aimed at enhancing public well-being. He said that the administration is on forefront for youth engagement in various employment avenues.
The Chairperson urged devotees to participate in the upcoming Chota Amarnath Ji Yatra in Bandipora.
The day was further enriched by cultural performances that highlighted rich heritage and diverse traditions. From traditional dance performances to evocative patriotic songs, the celebrations offered a platform for showcasing local talent and fostering a sense of pride among residents.
In addition to the main event, Independence Day was celebrated across various parts of the district, with schools, Panchayats, and government offices hosting their own events. These included flag hoisting ceremonies, educational programmes, and public gatherings that emphasized the spirit of national unity.
At the Mini Secretariat Bandipora, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Shakeel ul Rehman hoisted the National Flag. Similar functions were also held at Sumbal and Gurez sub divisions besides at block headquarters.
In Shopian, the 78th Independence Day was celebrated with immense patriotic zeal at the District Police Lines (DPL) Shopian today.
The Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Shopian, Bilqees Jan, hoisted the National Flag at the main function, inspected the parade and took salute on the impressive march past presented by various contingents including J&K Police, CRPF, JKAP, Home Guards, FPF, Fire & Emergency, NCC/NSS cadets and students from several schools of the district.
In her address, DDC Chairperson paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs, recognizing their innumerable sacrifices that paved the way for India’s independence.
She emphasized that it is through their supreme efforts that the nation enjoys the freedom it cherishes today.
She expressed deep gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner, Shopian, Faz Lul Haseeb, for strengthening the transparent and accountable governance mechanism that ensures seamless delivery of services to the public in the district and committed for continuous improvement in the governance system in the district.
The event was attended by SSP Shopian Tanushree, DDC Members, district officers, and a large gathering of enthusiastic citizens and students.
Adding to the vibrancy of the occasion, students and renowned artists presented a series of cultural programs and theme- based performances that captivated the audience and enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the event.
The celebrations concluded with a prize distribution ceremony where various cultural groups, students, security forces, officers and officials were felicitated for their exemplary contributions and extraordinary services in their respective fields in the district.
Early morning, Deputy Commissioner, Faz Lul Haseeb hoisted the National Flag at Mini Secretariat, Shopian in presence of officers, officials and security forces.
Meanwhile, Sub divisional, tehsil and institutional level celebratory functions were held across the district, where the National Flag was hoisted. District heads of line departments also hoisted the National Flag at their offices.