Ambala Divisional Commissioner pays tribute to freedom fighters; schoolchildren present patriotic cultural programme

KURUKSHETRA/AMBALA/POD DESK

Ambala Divisional Commissioner Sanjeev Verma on Saturday hoisted the national flag at the sub-divisional level Independence Day ceremony organised at the Ladwa Grain Market and took the salute of the parade. The ceremony was marked by patriotic enthusiasm, colourful cultural presentations by school students and tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who made the country’s independence possible.

The programme brought together administrative officials, public representatives, students, teachers and local residents to commemorate India’s Independence Day. The national flag was unfurled with due respect, following which the parade was inspected and the ceremonial salute was taken.

Addressing the gathering, Sanjeev Verma said India’s freedom was achieved after countless freedom fighters made extraordinary sacrifices and devoted their lives to the struggle against British rule. He said the sacrifices, perseverance and inspiring leadership of the freedom movement ultimately resulted in India gaining independence on August 15, 1947.

He said Independence Day was not merely an occasion for celebration but an important reminder of the country’s long freedom struggle and the responsibilities that came with independence. The day, he added, symbolised national unity, dignity, commitment and collective responsibility towards the nation.

Tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs

The Divisional Commissioner paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. He said the nation would always remain indebted to those who fought against colonial rule and made the supreme sacrifice for future generations.

He urged citizens, particularly young people, to understand the history of the freedom movement and draw inspiration from the courage and determination of the country’s national heroes.

Verma said that the freedom enjoyed by Indians today was the result of the sacrifices of countless known and unknown freedom fighters. Remembering them on Independence Day, he said, was not simply a ceremonial tradition but an important way of connecting younger generations with the values of courage, patriotism and service.

He also paid tribute to the soldiers guarding the country’s borders. He said the armed forces remained committed to protecting India’s sovereignty and maintaining the honour and dignity of the Tricolour even under difficult circumstances.

According to him, the national flag represents India’s unity, sovereignty and collective aspirations. Every citizen, he said, had a responsibility to uphold the values associated with the Tricolour.

Independence Day and Hariyali Teej celebrated together

Sanjeev Verma also extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Hariyali Teej, which is being celebrated alongside Independence Day this year.

He said Hariyali Teej represented the country’s rich cultural traditions and was closely associated with nature, culture and the strength of women. The simultaneous celebration of the national festival and the traditional festival provided an opportunity to recognise both India’s national identity and its diverse cultural heritage.

He extended his greetings to women and families celebrating the festival and emphasised the importance of preserving India’s cultural traditions while continuing to move forward as a modern and progressive nation.

Students add patriotic fervour

A major attraction of the Independence Day ceremony was the colourful cultural programme presented by schoolchildren.

Students performed a series of patriotic and cultural presentations, creating an atmosphere of enthusiasm and national pride. Through songs, dance and other performances, the students conveyed messages of patriotism, national unity and respect for the country’s freedom fighters.

The performances received appreciation from the audience and added a vibrant dimension to the ceremony. The participation of schoolchildren also highlighted the importance of involving the younger generation in national celebrations.

The cultural presentations provided students with an opportunity to express their feelings towards the country while learning about the significance of Independence Day. Their performances reflected the spirit of national unity and the cultural diversity of India.

The programme also emphasised the role of educational institutions in developing responsible and patriotic citizens. Participation in such national events, officials said, helps students understand the sacrifices behind India’s freedom and encourages them to contribute positively to society.

War widows, officials and employees honoured

During the ceremony, war widows, officers and employees were also honoured for their contribution and service.

The recognition of war widows was particularly significant as it acknowledged the families of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the nation. The honour also reflected the country’s continuing respect for members of the armed forces and their families.

Officials and employees who had performed commendably were also recognised during the programme. The felicitation ceremony encouraged public servants to continue working with dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.

The Divisional Commissioner congratulated all those who were honoured and appreciated their contribution to public service and society.

Tributes paid at memorials before ceremony

Before attending the main Independence Day ceremony, Sanjeev Verma paid tribute to prominent national heroes at important memorial points in Ladwa.

He visited Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk, Shaheed Madan Lal Dhingra Chowk and Dr B.R. Ambedkar Chowk, where he offered floral tributes and remembered the contributions of the great national figures.

The tributes reflected the significance of the Independence Day occasion and served as a reminder of the diverse contributions made by freedom fighters, social reformers and national leaders in shaping India’s journey towards freedom and democracy.

The administration also used the occasion to reinforce the message that the values of freedom, equality, justice and national unity must continue to guide the country’s progress.

Officials and public representatives attend

The ceremony was attended by SDM Anubhav Mehta, DSP Nirmal Singh, Municipal Committee Chairperson Sakshi Khurana, Tehsildar Navan Dhaniya and several other dignitaries, officials and representatives.

Students, teachers and local residents also participated in the programme with enthusiasm. The presence of members of the public added to the significance of the celebration and reflected widespread participation in the national festival.

The ceremony concluded on a patriotic note, with the gathering reaffirming its respect for the national flag and the sacrifices of freedom fighters and soldiers.

Sanjeev Verma said that the true significance of Independence Day lay in remembering the sacrifices of the past while working responsibly towards the country’s future. He called upon citizens to strengthen national unity, respect democratic values and contribute to the development and progress of the nation.

The Ladwa ceremony thus combined patriotic remembrance, cultural expression and public recognition, providing a meaningful platform for citizens and students to celebrate India’s Independence Day while remembering the heroes whose sacrifices made freedom possible.

POD/DESK