J&K L-G joins thousands to celebrate 'Har Ghar Tiranga Utsav' in Srinagar

Srinagar, Aug 14 (IANS) J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha joined thousands of citizens from all walks of life on Sunday in a Walkathon from Lalit Ghat to Botanical Garden Srinagar to celebrate the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' Utsav.

"It's a new dawn of hopes and dreams", said the Lt Governor.

He congratulated the organizers and participants of the Walkathon which saw a massive participation of people from all walks of life.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt. Governor recalled the words of Mahatma Gandhi delivered at the Tank Maidan, Mumbai on August 8, 1942 which inspired the people all across the country to overthrow British rule.

"Today our walkathon is a symbol of the resolve and struggle of Mahatma Gandhi, it is a symbol of penance and supreme sacrifice of the brave soldiers of our Army, police, paramilitary forces.

"Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav provided us with an opportunity to inspire future generation by making them aware of the invaluable contribution of our heroes and martyrs", he said.

Addressing the veterans of 1971 war present during the walkathon, Sinha said, "I salute all those who have laid the path of progress and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir and are keeping the nation safe and secure.

"Remembering our heroes ignites new ideas and rekindles the spirit of public awakening. This Walkathon is a tribute to our security forces, freedom fighters, and also a symbol of our resolve to build a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.

"We have to take the story of our freedom fighters to the new generation and bring alive the memory, the ideals of the personalities who made significant contributions in the freedom struggle and also pay our tributes to the unsung heroes of India's Independence", he said.

The Lt. Governor urged all to take inspiration from our forefathers, who had made significant sacrifices to provide us a free and independent nation, while fulfilling our obligations towards the future of the golden Jammu and Kashmir of 2047.

He also said, "Hon'ble Prime Minister started world's biggest Jan Abhiyaan and every part of the nation including Jammu Kashmir is witnessing Har Ghar Tiranga Utsav.

"We are citizens of a great nation where every inch of the pious land is filled with ancient values, culture and traditions", the Lt Governor added.

He observed that "Amrit Mahotsav of Azadi is being celebrated in Shopian, Kulgam, Jammu, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, and in every district, every village and 1 crore 30 lakh people are walking on the path of progress and peace envisioned by the Hon'ble Prime Minister".

The Lt. Governor said J&K is scripting history in every sector. Unprecedented performance in various parameters has been recorded, improving the standard of living of every citizen with equality and social justice.

Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary, appreciated the enthusiasm of the participants of the Har Ghar Tiranga walkathon, while Director General of Police Dilbag Singh also lauded the 'josh' of all the participants. He said it is not only the duty of security forces but also of every citizen of the country to uphold the honour and respect of the Tricolour.

Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor Srinagar Municipal Corporation, while speaking on the occasion said, "Tiranga has always remained the pride of Jammu Kashmir". He extended his greetings on Har Ghar Tiranga and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Prof. Nilofar Khan, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University spoke about the participation of the students of Kashmir University in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson J&K Wakf Board; Dr Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson, J&K KVIB were present on the occasion.

Raja Babu, Inspector General Frontier BSF delivered the vote of thanks, and Sachendra Singh Chandel, DIG BSF presented the welcome address.

R.K. Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary, Home Department; R.R. Swain, Special DG, CID; Pandurang K. Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Lt. General Amardeep Singh Aujla, GOC 15 Corps; Vijay Kumar, Additional DGP Kashmir; besides Administrative Secretaries, senior officers from Civil administration, Police, Army and Paramilitary forces participated in the walkathon organized by the Border Security Force (BSF).