HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Aug 16: The 77th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at Raj Bhavan, Assam, as Governor Gulab Chand Kataria hoisted the National Flag on this significant occasion.
In the presence of Raj Bhavan’s officers and staff, the Governor proudly unfurled the Tricolour. The CRPF personnel added to the solemnity by presenting a guard of honour. Following the flag hoisting, the Governor and the First Lady extended their warm wishes by distributing sweets to the entire staff and the families associated with Raj Bhavan.
Governor Kataria conveyed his heartfelt greetings to the people of Assam on this memorable day. The First Lady of Assam, Anita Kataria, and commissioner and secretary to the Governor, SS Meenakshi Sundaram, also graced the event with their presence, adding to the dignity of the celebration.
Likewise, Janata Bhavan also celebrated the 77th Independence Day with a ceremonial hoisting of the national flag. The event, held at Janata Bhavan, saw the participation of additional chief secretary Chayandai Abbachi from the state government. Following the hoisting of the national flag, warm wishes were extended to all attendees to mark the occasion of Independence Day.
Gauhati High Court also marked the 77th Independence Day with an overwhelming display of patriotism on Tuesday. The esteemed Chief Justice, Sandeep Mehta, unfurled the national flag during the event, drawing a sizable crowd to the venue, all eager to partake in the festivities. Chief Justice Mehta conducted an inspection of the guard of honour, while also saluting the parade led by Assam police personnel. Adding a touch of cultural brilliance, various groups, in collaboration with the Cultural department of the government of Assam, presented captivating performances. A distinguished ceremony was also held to distribute prizes among the victors who took part in a variety of interdisciplinary competitions.
Furthermore, Northeast Frontier Railway and its construction organisation marked the 77th Independence Day with enthusiasm. The central event took place at the NFRSA complex in Maligaon. Chetan Kumar Shrivastava, general manager of NF Railway, raised the national flag in front of a large audience of railway staff and their families. He reviewed an impressive guard of honour presented by RPF contingents, Territorial Army, Civil Defence, Bharat Scouts & Guides, and school children.
Independence Day celebrations occurred across NF Railway’s five divisions – Tinsukia, Lumding, Rangiya, Alipurduar, and Katihar. The divisional railway managers raised the national flag in the presence of divisional railway officials.
In his address, the general manager highlighted the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, redevelopment of 91 stations under NFR, and the introduction of new mail/express and passenger trains. He mentioned the Assam Vande Bharat Express connecting Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri and the cargo train’s international connectivity from Bathnaha (India) to Nepal Customs Yard (Nepal).
The day featured cultural performances, quiz competitions, sports activities for children, tree planting, and the inauguration of a staff canteen. The general manager (construction) praised ongoing projects and mentioned connectivity surveys with Bhutan. The event concluded with the distribution of fruits and essential items to patients at the NF Railway Central Hospital, Maligaon.
The Airports Authority of India’s Regional Headquarters for the North Eastern Region (AAI RHQ-NER) also marked the 77th Independence Day with unwavering enthusiasm. In this significant moment, Sanmukh Jugani, the regional executive director of the North Eastern region, hoisted the national flag at AAI’s New Building Complex situated within the premises of Guwahati Airport. The event was graced by the presence of all heads of departments (HODs) and esteemed guests from various organisations. The regional executive director was honoured with a prestigious ‘Guard of Honour’ by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), adding a sense of dignity to the occasion.
The Modern English School in Kahilipara also observed the 77th Independence Day with an exceptional display of patriotism. The festivities began with the unfurling of the flag by the school’s director, symbolising the unity and freedom of the nation. The students’ NCC parade exhibited discipline and national pride, leaving a profound impact on all present. The atmosphere was further charged with a moving patriotic song that stirred deep emotions.
Our Haflong correspondent adds: Despite heavy rainfall, the 77th Independence Day of the nation was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the NL Daulagupu Sports Complex in Dima Hasao district. The central celebration echoed the spirit of the occasion, with chief guest Debolal Gorlosa, chief executive member of Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, hoisting the Tricolour flag. District commissioner Simanta Kumar Das, ACS, and superintendent of police Mayank Kumar, IPS, were also present on this momentous occasion.
The event kicked off with shahid tarpan (tribute to martyrs) and the inspection of parade contingents, followed by the national salute and the national anthem. In his speech, the chief executive member highlighted the accomplishments of the present council. He accentuated the significant advancements made in the education sector, particularly the upcoming Model Degree College at Hatikali, which aims to provide quality education to the students of Dima Hasao. The chief executive member mentioned the introduction of new educational institutions like Eklavya Residential Schools and a Polytechnic Institute at Choto Wapu, which are set to transform the education landscape in the district.
Addressing the issue of non-payment of salaries to council employees, the chief executive member mentioned the implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission’s recommendations, which have substantially resolved the problem. He also assured the swift issuance of PRCs and land patta to eligible individuals within 15 days.
On the topic of rural development, the chief executive member discussed achievements in mobile tower coverage and lighting across the district. The event featured captivating cultural performances by indigenous communities and others, as well as a pipe band display by students of St Agnes’ Higher Secondary School.
The celebration was attended by various dignitaries, including Ranu Langthasa, chairperson of DHAC Haflong, executive members, and officials from Assam Rifles, Assam Police, and various departments. School students, teachers, and the general public also participated.
In Sub-Divisional HQ, Maibang, the Tricolour was unfurled by Magonjoy Thaosen, sub-divisional officer (civil) of Maibang, in the presence of SDPO Jan Kishor Gogoi, APS, and the public at Dishru Field. Similarly, the Tricolour was hoisted in all respective blocks of the district by the respective block development officers. The entire district engaged in various activities in line with the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, including flag hoisting at schools, Amrit Sarovar sites, and places with Silaphalakam installations as part of the ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ campaign.
Our Kokrajhar correspondent adds: In sync with the state-wide celebrations, the Kokrajhar district administration commemorated the 77th Independence Day on Tuesday with a fitting program held at the Government HS & MP School parade ground in Kokrajhar.
The chief executive member of the Bodoland Territorial Region, Pramod Boro, unfurled the national flag on this occasion amidst a large gathering, marking the event’s smooth success with various engaging programs. Boro received a guard of honour through a march-past presented by police personnel, NCC units, and student contingents from different schools and colleges, which captured the audience’s attention.
A multi-cultural display representing various communities added a vibrant touch to the celebration. Earlier, Boro paid homage to national martyrs at the ‘Swahid Bedi’.
The event also featured awards and accolades presented to individuals who excelled in various fields, including students with the highest marks in HS/HSLC in the entire Kokrajhar district. Relatives of national martyr families were warmly welcomed and honoured with traditional Aronai on this occasion.
In his speech, CEM Pramod Boro extended warm greetings and best wishes to all citizens of the state on Independence Day. He highlighted the developmental progress the BTR region has made since the signing of the BTR peace accord.
Boro informed that the clauses of the BTR peace accord are being implemented one by one in the spirit of the accord. He stated that citizens of the state are witnessing the 77th Independence Day this year and experiencing healthy democratic integration across the country.
“We must strengthen the spirit of Independence Day among the citizens in the state. India is the greatest democratic country in the world, so we must maintain peace and tranquillity within society,” Boro stated.
He reaffirmed the BTR government’s commitment to all-around development of the region and stressed the importance of a corruption-free environment to ensure equal opportunities and rights for all.
Boro mentioned various initiatives and missions that the BTR government has undertaken for the welfare and upliftment of the people, including educational enhancement, skill development, and strategies for livelihoods.
He underlined the BTR government’s aim to foster a community-centric atmosphere of happiness and emphasised the honour of hoisting the Tricolour on the occasion of the 77th Independence Day celebration in Kokrajhar. He echoed a pledge to create a strong, prosperous, peaceful, and empowered nation.
CEM Boro appealed to the anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) led by Paresh Baruah to abandon violence and join the mainstream to build a peaceful Assam. He assured that the government is dedicated to the welfare and development of the state and country.
Addressing the situation in Manipur, Boro also urged citizens to maintain peace and tranquillity to resolve the ongoing crisis.
Various organisations and government offices, including the ruling United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL) party, celebrated Independence Day at their respective premises. UPPL’s working president and Rajya Sabha MP, Rwngwra Narzary, hoisted the national flag at the youth central office in Habrubari, Kokrajhar. Party leaders and members participated in large numbers.
Meanwhile, the Bodoland Territorial Region government celebrated Independence Day with a day-long program at Bodofa Cultural Complex, Chandamari in Kokrajhar. During the celebration, various developmental schemes, visions, and missions of the BTR government were launched, including Fin Rwdwmkhang Bithanki and Bodoland Green Mission.
CEM of the Bodoland Territorial Region, Pramod Boro, ceremonially distributed laptops and printers among the CRCCs on this occasion. Cheques of Rs 24 lakh each were distributed among five cooperative societies under the Fin Rwdwmkhang Bithanki. Additionally, 14 best school adopters were felicitated amidst a significant public presence during the Independence Day celebration.
Our Demow correspondent adds: Demow, along with its neighbouring areas, joined the state-wide observance of the 77th Independence Day on Tuesday. The Demow Revenue Circle Office, in collaboration with the local community, orchestrated a commemorative event at the Demow Public Playground. The day’s proceedings commenced with melodious patriotic melodies in the morning, setting the tone for the festivities. Subsequently, the national flag was unfurled across government offices and establishments. A ceremonial lamp, placed before the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, was lit by Ghana Kanta Gogoi, a retired principal of Demow Higher Secondary School. Bihangi Bhagawati Das, BDO of Demow Development Block, performed the smriti tarpan. The central highlight of the event was the flag hoisting by Nabajit Saharia, Demow circle officer, at the Demow Public Playground. The students from Demow Sangeet Kala Kendra added musical enchantment to the occasion with their performances. Extending their generosity, the Marwari Yuba Mancha Demow branch distributed fruits to patients at Demow Model Hospital. The afternoon witnessed a spirited football match at Demow Raichai Rural Stadium between Gohainbari FC and Demow Football Coaching Centre, concluding with a 3-3 score, resulting in a draw.
Our Margherita correspondent adds: Margherita’s sub-divisional administration (civil) echoed the nationwide fervour by hosting the 77th Independence Day celebration at the central field in Margherita with great enthusiasm. The event kicked off with patriotic songs and the traditional prabhat ferry, followed by the unfurling of the national flag across government and semi-government offices, institutions, private residences, and the Swahid Bedi in Margherita.
Preeti Kumari (IAS), the sub-divisional officer of Margherita, graced the event as the chief guest and was accorded a guard of honour. She hoisted the national flag and addressed the gathering, which included dignitaries, resource persons, and residents of the Margherita region.
The festivities continued with a parade and cultural programs, along with the distribution of fruits to patients at Margherita Civil Hospital and Central Hospital Margherita. Adding a sports element to the celebration, a friendly football match took place between Margherita’s sub-divisional officer (civil) XI and the Indian Army.
Simultaneously, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) Margherita Bidhan Parishad also commemorated the 77th Independence Day. National flags were hoisted at AGP offices in Margherita, Ledo, and Lekhapani. Pradip Gogoi, the general secretary of AGP Margherita Bidhan Parishad, highlighted the developmental strides made under the BJP-AGP alliance government in Assam over the past seven years. He praised Margherita’s MLA, Bhaskar Sharma, for effectively channeling funds from various development schemes for the constituents of the 124th Margherita constituency.
Pradip Gogoi further discussed the ongoing power infrastructure improvements in the entire Tinsukia district under the RDSS scheme by the Assam government’s power department. He noted that 50% of the work in Margherita constituency has been accomplished, with Low Transmission (LT) work entrusted to OMBL company and High Transmission (HT) work assigned to Gopi Kishan company. He acknowledged past delays due to mismanagement but expressed optimism that the upcoming works would significantly benefit the constituency if executed efficiently.
In this context, AGP Margherita Bidhan Parishad pledged to diligently monitor the ongoing work and emphasised the need for public awareness to ensure successful implementation.
Our Sivasagar correspondent adds: In a unique and historically significant event, minister Jayanta Malla Baruah, proudly hoisted the national flag while dressed in the traditional Ahom royal attire during the Independence Day celebrations at Boarding Field. Minister Baruah, who heads the Public Health Engineering department, addressed the gathering and engaged with cadets from various security and NCC groups, donning the Ahom head dress and the distinctive pat-muga chapkon, suria. This gesture is interpreted as an important and symbolic outreach to the predominant Ahom community within the district, which could be politically significant ahead of the upcoming elections next year.
In a noteworthy turn of events, freedom fighters and their descendants chose to boycott the government-sponsored programme. Atul Nath, the son of a freedom fighter, shared with our correspondent that the Sivasagar district administration had failed to provide them with transportation to attend a national conference in Guwahati. Consequently, members of the Freedom Fighters Association commemorated the day within their own premises, located near Sivasagar Court.
Furthermore, the BJP Mahila Morcha organised a procession on the theme of ‘Bibhajan Bibhisika’, with educationist and party activist Jyoti Dutta leading the way. This event further contributed to the vibrancy of the Independence Day celebrations in the district.
Our Morigaon correspondent adds: As part of the ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ cleanliness campaign, the Morigaon Municipal Board, in collaboration with the Morigaon district administration, recognised and awarded 11 individuals from Morigaon town for their dedication to maintaining cleanliness. The event was inaugurated by district commissioner Devashis Sarma, with the presence of Ramakant Deuri, MLA of Morigaon assembly constituency, Hemant Kumar Das, superintendent of police, Jogesh Tamuly, chairman of Morigaon Municipal Board, Phani Pathak, joint director of the Health Service Office, college teachers, and students from various parts of the district. The occasion also featured a cultural program that was inaugurated by MMB chairman Jogesh Tamuly and attended by personnel from CRPF and SSB.
