The District Development Council (DDC) Chairman, Mahan Singh, hoisted the national flag at the Kathua district headquarters on the 78th Independence Day in Kathua on Thursday.
The occasion was celebrated with patriotic fervour and great enthusiasm, despite the heavy rainfall in the district. The main function was held at the Sports Stadium in Kathua, where Mahan Singh raised the flag and was given a salute from the mega parade comprising 46 contingents drawn from the District Police, Police Training School, IRP, NCC cadets and bands and tiny platoons from various government and private schools. Samya Singh, a student who had participated in a cultural performance that focused on women's empowerment on the occasion, said that she was very happy that she got the opportunity to represent her school. "I am pleased that I represented my school and the nation on this opportunity. Our performance was on women's empowerment," said Singh. In his address to the people, DDC's chairman recalled the sacrifices the freedom fighters made to secure independence for the country. He also commemorated the brave soldiers and policemen who laid down their lives while fighting for the nation. Further, 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. Further, he emphasised that under the vision of the PM, India was advancing towards becoming 'Viksit Bharat', and fostered a renewed spirit of national integration to achieve new heights. Additionally, Singh also lauded the efforts of the district administration and said that they were "toiling hard and working in close coordination with the PRIs to realise the objective of sustainability and all-round development." Despite the heavy rainfall in the district, the enthusiasm of people and youth was high to witness the programme and to participate in the Independence Day celebration. Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas, Senior Superintendent of Police, Anayat Ali Chaudhary and ex-servicemen were present on the occasion. (ANI)
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