The 78th Independence Day in Kashmir was celebrated like never before, with grand events across the region, culminating in a historic flag-hoisting ceremony at Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium. The celebration set new benchmarks in patriotism, inclusiveness, and cultural pride, reflecting the region’s deep-seated sense of community and national unity.
By Ajaz Rashid
The 78th anniversary of Independence Day was celebrated by Kashmir in a unique and historic manner, setting new benchmarks for the celebrations across the country. This year, it was conducted on a massive scale and in terms of inclusiveness, reflecting the deep sense of patriotism and community bonding.
The main function of the programme was held at Astroturf Hockey Ground of the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, which had been converted into a dynamic venue for the day’s proceedings. A grand flag-hoisting ceremony, cultural programmes featuring traditional music and dance forms in the State, and a poignant homage to freedom fighters who shaped the course of national history were held at the stadium.
In his first speech on Independence Day from Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that the administration and security forces in the Union Territory would not permit any attempt to revive terrorism. The statement by Mr. Sinha comes days after a fresh spurt in terror attacks underlined that the threat of violence was far from over.
“We will never allow these terror designs to succeed in J&K,” observed Sinha, while underlining that people need to remain united at all levels of support to ensure the security apparatus is successful in this mission of wiping out the menace of terror. He described the forces as a dedicated frontline against the designs of terrorism “because nobody can match their commitment toward defending our region.”
He went on to remind the audience that the recent encounter of an army captain was carried out by a foreign terrorist in Assar in Doda. “These incidents remind us of the sacrifices made day in and day out by our security personnel,” he noted, further stating that the administration will continue to pursue all measures necessary toward maintaining peace and security.
Besides the issues of security, Sinha pointed out that there had been great achievements made in different sectors within the five years. He lauded the success the region has shown in the tourism sector, with over 2.11 crore tourists visiting J&K last year, whereas over 1 crore came to visit this place by June 2024. He said, “The success of G20 in Srinagar has given a new boost to tourism, and we are hopeful of setting new records this year”.
The LG also spoke about economic reforms, among them linking the cave shrine of Amarnath and Gurez to the power grid for the first time. He said J&K Industrial policy will be renewed by the end of the year and appreciated that J&K Bank had been transformed into a profitable institution. “J&K Bank, which was once in a mess, is now a profitable institution and truly a people’s bank,” Sinha remarked.
The social initiatives taken during this time, he said, targeted the empowerment of the marginalized communities such as the SC, ST, OBC, Valmikis, PoJK-WPR, etc. He said, “Completely deprived of all 70 years’ rights -accommodation, they were now being recognized and living dignified lives”. The Lieutenant Governor also announced the establishment of over 2,000 “Khidmat Ghars” for the support of farmers and the creating of integrated farming clusters, with an objective of making J&K a model of prosperity in the light of the ethos of collective responsibility and self-reliance.
Some of the other highlights in cultural and environmental initiatives that were stated in the address by the Lieutenant Governor were the setting of a new world record with the world’s largest Kashmiri folk dance, performed by 10,000 young women in Baramulla. The cultural fiesta “Kashur Riwaaj” by Dagger Division of the Chinar Corps, under the aegis of Headquarters Northern Command, in coordination with Baramulla District Administration and Indrani Balan Foundation, displayed the traditional practices of Kashmir to the core, with cultural flavors in their full bloom. The record consisted of the largest collective folk dance ever recorded, and also included facets of traditional dance forms, music, calligraphy, and performances by local artists.
For the first time, every district in Kashmir held its own key Independence Day celebration. District Development Council chairpersons dominated the functions, raising the national flag and delivering speeches focused on unity and progress.
The major function was held at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Govt. Degree College Boys Anantnag. Chairman Mohammad Yousuf Gorsi hoisted the national flag and reviewed a parade, including traditional cultural items and displays.
Independence Day functions in Baramulla were held at Showkat Ali Sports Stadium. Among other things, the chairperson of the district development council, Safina Baigh, took part in the flag hoisting ceremony and parade inspection. Cultural programs highlighting the diversity in cultures and an ode to local heroes were also held.
This was further celebrated with central function held at Sports Stadium Budgam. Chairman Nazir Ahmad Khan conducted flag-hoisting and inspected on parade including school children, local youth groups, and security personnel. The event showcased Budgam’s patriotic spirit and community engagement.
The function regarding Independence Day, at Qamaria Stadium, Ganderbal, was presided over by Chairperson Nuzhat Ishfaq. It started with the parade of security forces, with all school contingents adding to the festive look and feasting on the occasion, thereby depicting local pride.
The main function of Kupwara was held at the District Police Lines in which chairperson Irfan Sultan Panditpori took the salute and inspection of the parade. Besides, a huge amalgamation of contingents with community participation from the CRPF, JKP Women Battalion, and NCC Cadets were presented.
The Independence Day function took place at District Police Lines Kulgam, with the flag-hoisting and reviewing of the parade done by Chairperson Mohammad Afzal Parrey. A ceremonial march-past by the CRPF, JKP, School children was done as well during the ceremony representing Kulgam’s reverence for its history.
At S.K. Stadium Bandipora, the flag hoisting and parade inspection was done by chairperson Abdul Gani Bhat. The following programme was enlivened by an amalgam of a lot of extensive cultural activities and feats depicting the local cultural ethos as part of the celebration.
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