Jammu, August 15 (Scoop News)-The Nation's 79th Independence Day was celebrated with fervour and gaiety across the Jammu region today, with functions held at all district, sub-division and tehsil headquarters.
At Doda: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with immense patriotic spirit at the Sports Stadium, Doda. The Tricolour was hoisted by the Chief Guest, Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC), Dhananter Singh Kotwal.
The ceremony began with school students singing the National Anthem, followed by a grand salute to the impressive parade contingents of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indian Reserve Police (IRP), Jammu and Kashmir Police, J&K Women Police, NCC Senior and Junior Wings, Home Guards, Forest Protection Force and contingents from various government and private schools.
The DDC Chairman, accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Doda, Sandeep Kumar Mehta, inspected the parade and appreciated the discipline and dedication of all participants.
The event was graced by Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Doda, Mehraj Malik, Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh, SSP Sandeep Kumar Mehta, Vice Chairperson DDC Sangeeta Rani, district officers, leaders of various political parties, social activists, senior citizens and officials from different government departments.
In his address, Dhananter Singh Kotwal congratulated the people of Doda and the entire nation on this historic day, paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices secured India’s independence. He also expressed heartfelt condolences over the recent tragic cloudburst at Padder, Kishtwar and praised the Indian Army for its contributions in combating militancy and safeguarding the nation.
Highlighting developmental achievements, the DDC Chairman informed that nearly 90% of projects in the district have been completed. These include major improvements in road connectivity, uninterrupted power supply and the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Amrit 2 Initiative, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) schemes. He also emphasised landmark initiatives such as the electrification of Jai Valley, the successful hosting of the Bhal Padhri Festival, and the renovation of the Sports Stadium, Indoor Stadium, and Government Medical College (GMC) Doda.
DDC Chairman reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the shortage of teaching staff in schools, boosting tourism through upgraded infrastructure, and empowering farmers under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). Appreciating the communal harmony of the district, he lauded the efforts of the police and security forces in maintaining peace and order. He further called for strict action against illegal encroachments on state land and stressed the importance of environmental conservation.
The celebrations in Doda stood as a symbol of unity, progress and dedication toward nation-building.
Similar celebrations echoed across the district, including in Bhaderwah, Thathri, Assar, Kastigarh, Bhallessa, Marmat, Gandoh and far-flung Panchayats, where government offices, schools and community centres unfurled the Tricolour, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. Streets, markets, and public buildings were adorned with saffron, white and green, filling the atmosphere with patriotic pride.
In Bhaderwah, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bhaderwah, Anil Kumar Thakur, unfurled the Tricolour amidst great enthusiasm and addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of Independence Day and paying homage to the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
At Samba: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with resplendent patriotic zeal and spirited public participation at the historic Rani Suchet Singh Stadium, Samba. The occasion was graced by District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, Keshav Dutt Sharma, who ceremoniously hoisted the National Flag, followed by a dignified salute to the parade commander and the impeccably turned-out contingents.
The DDC Chairman then inspected the parade formations, which exemplified the discipline, precision and unwavering commitment of the participants.
In his address, Keshav Dutt Sharma extended warm felicitations to the people of Samba and paid glowing tributes to the supreme sacrifices of India’s legendary freedom fighters. He lauded their indomitable courage and steadfast dedication to the cause of independence, exhorting citizens to imbibe their ideals. Emphasising the imperatives of unity, harmony and collective responsibility in nation-building, he called upon the youth to be proactive in developmental endeavours, environmental stewardship, and the advancement of education. He further reaffirmed the administration’s unwavering resolve to strengthen infrastructure, enhance public service delivery and ensure equitable growth across the district.
The ceremonial parade featured a spectacular lineup of contingents, including the District Police Samba, 1st Women Border Battalion, IRP, JKAP, Home Guard, JKP Band, JK Scouts & Guides, NCC and students from various educational institutions. The synchronised march-past and meticulously executed drills drew resounding applause from the assembled audience.
Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan, commended the collective efforts of all departments in orchestrating a seamless and grand celebration. Officials, employees, and achievers from diverse sectors were felicitated for their exemplary contributions to public service and community development.
The celebrations were attended by a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including SSP, Virender Singh Manhas, ADDC, Champa Devi, ADC, Jagdish Singh and ACR, Ajay Bharti, along with the GM DIC, CPO, CEO, Heads of Departments from various line departments, representatives from security agencies, school students, media personnel and an enthusiastic public.
At Udhampur: The 79th Independence Day was observed with great patriotic fervour across district Udhampur. The main function was held at Government PG Degree College, Boys Udhampur, where District Development Council Chairman, Udhampur, Lal Chand, was the chief guest. He hoisted the National Flag and took the salute from an impressive march past of 32 contingents drawn from J&K Police, SKPA, District Police, Home Guards, NCC and other Civil troops, in addition to the Police Band.
DDC Vice Chairperson, Juhi Manhas Pathania, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Sarah Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, Senior Superintendent of Police, Amod Ashok Nagpure, Additional District Development Commissioner, Rajinder Singh, DDC members, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Prem Singh, senior officers from the District Administration, Police, Indian Army, Air Force, CRPF, ITBP and BSF, besides prominent citizens of the district, attended the programme.
While extending heartiest greetings to everyone on the occasion of our nation's Independence Day, the District Development Council Chairman said that this is a day of great significance, reminding us of the struggles and sacrifices of our forefathers who bravely fought against colonial rule to give 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 toward 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 recognise the remarkable strides we have taken as a united and thriving nation.
He further said that under the visionary leadership of our Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory is embracing the path of development and prosperity. The DDC Chairperson informed that 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.
The chief guest reiterated that in our pursuit of development, Udhampur District has emerged as a frontrunner in various developmental indicators. He said, “Let us take a moment to reflect on some of the major projects and initiatives that are shaping our district's future.”
He further added that Udhampur District is also reaping the fruits of development, as a number of major development projects and schemes are on the verge of completion. These include the National Highway (NH-244) Project, Government Medical College Udhampur, the upgrading of Government ANM School Udhampur to a Government Nursing College Udhampur through addition/alteration/construction of an additional block, the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP), and the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The chief guest said that the completion of these projects and schemes will ensure the overall development of the District and will also change the perspective of the people toward life and prosperity. He further reiterated that the UT Administration as well as the District Administration has taken up several initiatives for the benefit of the general public and the effective delivery of services.
Similarly, the Independence Day function was also organised in various government establishments at the Sub-Divisional, Block and Tehsil levels of District Udhampur.
At Reasi: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with unmatched patriotic fervour and mass enthusiasm across Reasi district today. The main function was held at General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium, Reasi, where DDC Chairperson Saraf Singh Nag unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at an impressive march past.
Prominent dignitaries, including Member Legislative Assembly Reasi, Kuldeep Raj Dubey, Member Legislative Assembly Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Baldev Raj Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Nidhi Malik, Vice Chairperson DDC Reasi, Sajra Qadir, SSP Reasi, Paramvir Singh, ADDC, Sukhdev Singh Samyal, ADC, Rakesh Kumar and other senior officers graced the occasion with their presence.
A total of 19 contingents from Jammu and Kashmir Police, NCC cadets, and school students participated in the march past, accompanied by stirring patriotic tunes from brass and pipe bands. The people of Reasi turned out in large numbers, joining the event with a deep sense of national pride.
In his address, DDC Chairperson Saraf Singh Nag extended heartfelt greetings to the people and saluted their patriotic spirit, calling it the true strength of the district. He paid rich tributes to freedom fighters and martyrs while also highlighting the district’s achievements in infrastructure, education, rural development and public welfare.
He expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Rajinder Singh Rana (JKAS), who lost his life in a tragic landslide in the Dharmari area of Reasi district.
Homage was also paid to the victims of the recent cloudburst in Chosoti village of Kishtwar district, praying for eternal peace for the departed souls and strength for the bereaved families.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner also congratulated the people on Independence Day and reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring inclusive development, good governance and public welfare in the district. She also commended the march past contingents for their excellent displays.
Independence Day was also celebrated with equal zeal at all Sub-Divisional and Tehsil Headquarters of Reasi district, where respective dignitaries unfurled the National Flag, took the salute at the march past and addressed the gatherings.
At Ramban: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour at the District Police Lines (DPL), Ramban. Chairperson District Development Council Ramban, Dr. Shamshad Shan, hoisted the National Tricolour and took the salute from the contingents participating in the march past.
Member Legislative Assembly Ramban, Advocate Arjun Singh Raju, Deputy Commissioner, Mohammad Alyas Khan, SSP, Arun Gupta, SSP Traffic, Raja Adil Hamed, ADC, Varunjeet Singh Charak, DPO ICDS, Jahangir Hashmi, senior officers of the Civil and Police administration and prominent citizens attended the function.
Vice-Chairperson DDC Ramban, Rabia Beigh and DDC members were among the distinguished guests.
The ceremony began with the hoisting of the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem. Dr. Shan inspected the parade and took the salute from contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Women Contingent of J&K Police, IRP, FPF, Home Guards and school children.
In view of the tragic cloudburst incident at Chishoti in Kishtwar, cultural programmes, High Tea and similar events were not held on the occasion.
In her address, Dr. Shamshad Shan paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s independence. She stressed the values of unity, integrity and patriotism, urging the youth to play an active role in the nation’s development.
The DDC Chairperson also highlighted major developmental projects completed in the district over the past year, along with newly sanctioned projects and listed the achievements of various departments under different schemes.
Celebrating Independence Day, SDM Gool, Imtiaz Ahmed, SDM Banihal, Mohammad Naseeb Bajraan, and SDM Ramsoo, Sayed Mazahir Hussain Shah, also hoisted the National Flag at their respective Sub-Division headquarters. Similarly, Independence Day celebrations were held in all the Tehsils, Blocks and institutions across the district.
At Kishtwar: The 79th Independence Day was observed today at historic Chowgan Ground, Kishtwar, with a sense of solidarity and respect, in view of the tragic cloudburst incident that occurred on August 14th in the Chishoti area of Block Paddar.
The ceremony was led by the Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kishtwar, Pooja Thakur, who hoisted the National Flag, inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute from the marching contingents comprising JK Police, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guards and NCC cadets.
In her address, the DDC Chairperson expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragic incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. She assured that the District Administration is fully committed to providing all possible support to the affected families during this difficult time.
In the wake of the recent tragedy, the observance of Independence Day was held with due reverence and simplicity, reaffirming the ideals of solidarity, perseverance and compassion.
The Independence Day ceremonies were also conducted in a similar manner at the Sub-Division and Tehsil levels across the district.
At Rajouri: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and a deep sense of national pride across Rajouri district. Festivities took place at the district headquarters, subdivisions, tehsil offices and panchayats, with the main function held at the District Police Lines (DPL) ground, Rajouri.
The highlight of the celebration was the unfurling of the National Flag by the District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Advocate Chowdhary Naseem Liyaqat, who also took the ceremonial salute. The impressive parade featured contingents from JKAP, JK Executive Police, JK Police Band, CRPF, JK FPF, Home Guard and NCC (senior boys and girls).
Among the dignitaries present were Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma; DIG Rajouri-Poonch, Tejinder Singh; SSP Rajouri, Gaurav Sikarwar; ADC Rajouri, Chander Prakash; Principal GMC Rajouri, Dr. Amar Jeet Singh; ACR, Mohd Jhangir Khan; ACD, Auqil Nuvaid; DDE, Mohd Nawaz Choudhary; SE PWD/Hydraulics; DSEO, Sandeep Sharma; district officers, prominent citizens and thousands of people who braved the rainy morning to witness the grand celebrations.
At the outset of his address, the DDC Chairperson expressed profound grief over the loss of lives in the recent flash floods in Kishtwar and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also paid solemn tribute to the martyr Additional District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, remembering his dedicated service to the district.
The DDC Chairperson extended warm greetings to the people and underlined the historical significance of Independence Day. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the district’s all-round development, highlighting progress in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, rural connectivity, electricity and water supply to remote villages and social security measures for senior citizens, differently-abled persons and widows. He also stressed on self-employment schemes aimed at empowering local youth.
“The District Development Council is working tirelessly with the administration to ensure holistic development across Rajouri,” Advocate Liyaqat stated, adding that transparency, accountability, responsiveness and efficiency remain the cornerstones of governance in the district.
Appreciating Rajouri’s rich cultural heritage and communal harmony, the DDC Chairperson urged citizens to protect this legacy and contribute to peace, unity and national integration.
A felicitation ceremony followed, honouring officers and officials for their exemplary services during Operation Sindoor and their contributions to the district’s development and welfare.
The programme was smoothly coordinated by stage secretaries Sumit Bhargav and Iqbal Raina, ensuring a seamless and memorable event.
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