SRINAGAR, AUG 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday participated in the ‘Tiranga Yatra’ here and asserted that the 21st century belongs to India, as he described the national flag as the “living embodiment” of the nation’s consciousness and pride.
Leading the yatra through the streets of Srinagar, LG Sinha addressed a large gathering of citizens, officials, and security personnel, emphasising that the Tiranga represents India’s shared strength, unity, and unwavering patriotism.
“The Tiranga is the soul of our nation and ‘Vande Mataram’ is the immortal voice of that soul,” the Lt Governor said.
Recalling the launch of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign in 2022 under the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, LG Sinha said its purpose was to rekindle in every Indian’s heart a sense of closeness and respect towards the tricolour.
“When the Tiranga flutters simultaneously on millions of homes, 140 crore Indians’ hearts beat as one in a single sentiment, a single faith, a single resolve. Today, Tiranga Yatra has evolved into a festival of people’s consciousness, a tradition of patriotism, and a cultural value binding every citizen to the motherland,” he said.
The Lt Governor lauded the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their remarkable participation in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ and ‘Vande Mataram’ campaigns, noting that their enthusiasm had become a source of inspiration for the entire nation.
He described the confluence of the two campaigns as the “announcement of a new era” for Jammu and Kashmir.
“This is the symbol of a Jammu Kashmir filled with self-confidence and marching firmly toward the future where ‘Vijayi Vishwa Tiranga Pyara’ is a life’s resolve in every citizen’s heart, where every home is a centre of patriotism and where every heart beats in rhythm with the pulse of national unity,” he said.
Urging citizens to reflect on their contribution to building the India envisioned by its forefathers, LG Sinha said that while martyrs defended the nation with their blood, the present generation must defend it with character, honesty, hard work, unity, and service.
“The future is ours. This century belongs to India. This is the era of India’s self-confidence, its courage, and its immortal national consciousness,” he said.
Earlier, the Lt Governor flagged off the yatra, which witnessed participation from Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Javed Ahmed Rana and Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, DGP Nalin Prabhat, and a large number of youth and security personnel.
On the occasion, LG Sinha honoured ‘Veer Naris’ and war heroes, inaugurated a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ exhibition, and felicitated nodal officers of the ‘Vande Mataram’ campaign. A special documentary by the Department of Culture and a Tiranga concert were also held as part of the celebrations. (KNS)
