Tiranga Yatra in Srinagar: LG Sinha calls for unity and patriotism

Ziraat Times News Desk

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday joined the Tiranga Yatra in Srinagar and said the 21st century belongs to India, calling upon citizens to uphold the values of patriotism, unity, honesty, hard work and service.

The Tiranga Yatra brought together the celebrations of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. Addressing participants after the Yatra, Sinha said the Tricolour represents the collective consciousness, pride and unity of the nation.

“On this sacred soil, the Tricolour is flying high as India’s living conscience and Vande Mataram echoes as its immortal voice. It embodies our shared strength, unity, and unwavering patriotism,” he said.

Referring to the launch of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign in 2022 under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the Lieutenant Governor said the initiative was aimed at rekindling a sense of emotional connection, respect and closeness towards the national flag.

“When the Tiranga flutters simultaneously on millions of homes, 140 crore Indians’ hearts beat as one in a single sentiment, a single faith, a single resolve,” he said, adding that the Tiranga Yatra has evolved into “a festival of people’s consciousness, a tradition of patriotism, and a cultural value binding every citizen to the motherland.”

Sinha congratulated the people of Jammu & Kashmir for their participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram campaigns, saying their enthusiasm had become a source of inspiration for the entire country.

He said the Tiranga is “the soul of our nation” and Vande Mataram “the immortal voice of that soul.”

The Lieutenant Governor called upon citizens to reflect on their individual contribution towards building the India envisioned by the country’s forefathers. He said that while martyrs had defended the nation with their blood, the present generation must defend it through character, honesty, hard work, unity and service.

Sinha said the convergence of the Har Ghar Tiranga and Vande Mataram campaigns represented more than the coming together of two initiatives, describing it as “the announcement of a new era.”

He envisioned a Jammu & Kashmir marked by greater self-confidence and progress, where patriotism and national unity are reflected not only through the national flag but also in citizens’ thoughts, character and actions.

Calling for collective responsibility in shaping the future of Jammu & Kashmir and India, he urged citizens to ensure that the spirit of Vande Mataram is reflected in their actions, decisions and discharge of responsibilities.

“We should take a pledge to repay the debt of our immortal heroes’ sacrifices by building a nation that is prosperous, secure, just, and opens doors of equal opportunity for every citizen,” Sinha said.

He also called for building a Jammu & Kashmir that is economically strong and takes pride in Indian culture, civilisation and spiritual values.

“The future is ours. This century belongs to India. This is the era of India’s self-confidence, its courage, and its immortal national consciousness,” he said.

On the occasion, Sinha honoured Veer Naris and war heroes, inaugurated the Har Ghar Tiranga Exhibition and felicitated nodal officers associated with the Vande Mataram campaign.

The celebrations also featured the screening of a special documentary by the Department of Culture, followed by a Tiranga concert in which artists paid musical tribute to the nation’s bravehearts.

Justice Rahul Bharti, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Javid Ahmad Dar, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Darakhshan Andrabi, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra and Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, besides senior civil, police and security officials, youth and people from different walks of life, participated in the Tiranga Yatra.