Kashmir valley celebrates 78th Independence Day with pride, unity

DDC Anantnag Chairman saluting Tricolour during Independence Day celebrations. — Excelsior/Sajad Dar
DDC Anantnag Chairman saluting Tricolour during Independence Day celebrations. — Excelsior/Sajad Dar

Chairpersons of DDCs hoist National Flag, pay tribute to martyrs

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Aug 16: The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with a renewed sense of patriotism and solidarity across Kashmir with the main function held at Bakshi Stadium 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 tribute 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.
ANANTNAG: The main function was held at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Govt Degree College Boys 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.

Chairperson DDC Baramulla saluting Tricolour at Sports Stadium.
Chairperson DDC Baramulla saluting Tricolour at Sports Stadium.

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, “nation is paying rich tribute 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.
On the occasion, colourful cultural programmes on patriotic themes were presented by the students from various educational institutions.

 

Chairman DDC Budgam taking salute from march past.
Chairman DDC Budgam taking salute from march past.

BARAMULLA: The main function was held at Showkat Ali Sports Stadium. 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 paid 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.
BUDGAM: 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.
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, paid rich tribute 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.
GANDERBAL: The main function was held at Qamaria Stadium where National Flag was unfurled 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. She 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 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.
KUPWARA: The main 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 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.
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.
KULGAM: The main function was held at District Police Lines 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.
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 tribute 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.
BANDIPORA: The main function was held at S.K. Stadium 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 etc.
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 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.
SHOPIAN: The main function was held at District Police Lines (DPL) where Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Shopian, Bilqees Jan, hoisted the National Flag, 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 tribute 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.
PULWAMA: The main event was held at the District Police Lines where DDC Chairperson Pulwama, Syed Abdul Bari Indrabi, hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the march-past. The occasion witnessed the participation of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom; SSP Pulwama, P D Nitya; DDC Members and other senior officers from the civil and police administration.
The march-past featured contingents from JKP, JKAP, CRPF 182/183, Home Guards, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC Cadets and students from various schools.
In his address, the DDC Chairperson emphasized the significance of Independence Day, paying tribute to the legendary freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s freedom. He highlighted various development initiatives undertaken in Pulwama for the progress and prosperity of the general public notably construction of Kashmir’s first AIIMS at Awantipora and a Migrant Colony for Kashmiri Pandits, both expected to be completed by 2025.
The Independence Day celebrations concluded with cultural performances by artists from Information Department, Education Department and Department of Youth Services and Sports.