Jammu | : The Nation’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with fervour and gaiety across the Jammu region Friday, with functions held at all district, sub-division and tehsil headquarters.
At Doda: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Sports Stadium in Doda, where the Chief Guest, Dhananter Singh Kotwal, Chairman of the District Development Council (DDC), hoisted the Tricolour. The ceremony commenced with school students singing the National Anthem, followed by a salute to various parade contingents, including the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and local police forces. The DDC Chairman, along with Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Kumar Mehta, inspected the parade and commended the participants for their discipline and dedication. The event was attended by notable figures, including MLA Doda Mehraj Malik, Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh, and various political leaders and social activists. In his address, Kotwal congratulated the people of Doda and the nation, paying tribute to freedom fighters and expressing condolences for the recent cloudburst tragedy in Padder, Kishtwar. He highlighted significant developmental achievements in the district, noting that nearly 90% of projects have been completed, including improvements in road connectivity, power supply, and the implementation of key government schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Kotwal reaffirmed his commitment to addressing educational staff shortages, enhancing tourism infrastructure, and empowering farmers through the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). He praised the district’s communal harmony and the efforts of security forces in maintaining peace, while also calling for action against illegal land encroachments and emphasizing environmental conservation. The celebrations in Doda symbolized unity and progress, with similar events occurring across the district, where the Tricolour was unfurled in various locations, fostering a spirit of patriotic pride. In Bhaderwah, Additional Deputy Commissioner Anil Kumar Thakur also celebrated the day, underscoring the importance of Independence Day and honoring the sacrifices of freedom fighters.
At Samba: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at the Rani Suchet Singh Stadium in Samba, marked by significant public participation. District Development Council (DDC) Chairman Keshav Dutt Sharma hoisted the National Flag and inspected the parade formations, showcasing the discipline and commitment of the participants. In his address, Sharma extended congratulations to the people of Samba and honored the sacrifices of India’s freedom fighters, urging citizens to adopt their ideals. He emphasized the importance of unity, harmony, and collective responsibility in nation-building, particularly encouraging the youth to engage in developmental activities, environmental care, and educational advancement. Sharma reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, enhancing public service delivery, and ensuring equitable growth throughout the district. The ceremonial parade featured a diverse array of contingents, including the District Police Samba, 1st Women Border Battalion, and various educational institutions, all of which received enthusiastic applause for their synchronized performances. Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan praised the collaborative efforts of all departments in organizing the event. The celebration was attended by numerous dignitaries, including senior officials and community leaders, who recognized the contributions of individuals in public service and community development.
At Udhampur: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in Udhampur district, with the main event taking place at Government PG Degree College, Boys Udhampur. District Development Council Chairman Lal Chand served as the chief guest, where he hoisted the National Flag and oversaw a march past featuring 32 contingents from various security and civil organizations, including the J&K Police and NCC. The event was attended by notable figures such as the DDC Vice Chairperson, DIG, Deputy Commissioner, and senior officers from the District Administration and armed forces. In his address, Lal Chand emphasized the significance of Independence Day, honoring the sacrifices made by past generations for freedom. He highlighted the progress made since 1947 and the ongoing development in Jammu and Kashmir under the leadership of the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister. The chairman stressed the importance of unity and shared vision among citizens, noting that Udhampur District is leading in various developmental indicators. Chand outlined several key projects nearing completion that are set to enhance the district’s future, including the National Highway (NH-244) Project, the establishment of a Government Medical College, the upgrade of the ANM School to a Nursing College, the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan, and the Jal Jeevan Mission. He asserted that these initiatives will significantly improve the quality of life and prosperity for the residents of Udhampur. Additionally, similar Independence Day celebrations were held across various government establishments at the Sub-Divisional, Block, and Tehsil levels within the district.
At Reasi: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Reasi district, highlighted by a main event at the General Zorawar Singh Sports Stadium. DDC Chairperson Saraf Singh Nag unfurled the National Flag and oversaw a march past featuring 19 contingents, including Jammu and Kashmir Police, NCC cadets, and school students, all accompanied by patriotic music from brass and pipe bands. The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including local MLAs and senior officials, reflecting a strong sense of community and national pride among the attendees. In his address, Chairperson Nag expressed gratitude to the citizens for their patriotic spirit, which he deemed the district’s true strength. He paid tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs while also acknowledging the district’s progress in infrastructure, education, rural development, and public welfare. He expressed sorrow over the recent loss of Rajinder Singh Rana in a landslide and offered condolences to the victims of a cloudburst in Kishtwar district, emphasizing the need for support for affected families. The Deputy Commissioner of Reasi also congratulated the community on Independence Day, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and good governance. Celebrations were mirrored across all Sub-Divisional and Tehsil Headquarters in the district, where local dignitaries similarly unfurled the National Flag and engaged with the public, reinforcing the spirit of unity and patriotism throughout Reasi.
At Ramban: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm at the District Police Lines (DPL) in Ramban, where Dr. Shamshad Shan, Chairperson of the District Development Council, hoisted the National Tricolour and took the salute from various participating contingents. The event was attended by notable figures including the Member Legislative Assembly, Deputy Commissioner, and senior officers from both civil and police administrations, along with prominent citizens and DDC members. The ceremony commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag and the singing of the National Anthem. Dr. Shan inspected the parade, which featured contingents from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Women Contingent of J&K Police, IRP, FPF, Home Guards, and school children. Due to a recent tragic cloudburst incident in Kishtwar, cultural programs and celebratory events were omitted from the festivities. In her address, Dr. Shan honored the sacrifices of freedom fighters and martyrs, emphasizing the importance of unity, integrity, and patriotism. She encouraged the youth to engage actively in the nation’s development and highlighted significant developmental projects completed in the district over the past year, as well as newly sanctioned initiatives and departmental achievements under various schemes. Independence Day celebrations were also observed by Sub-Divisional Magistrates in Gool, Banihal, and Ramsoo, who hoisted the National Flag at their respective headquarters. Additionally, celebrations took place across all Tehsils, Blocks, and institutions throughout the district, reflecting a widespread commitment to honoring the occasion.
At Kishtwar: The 79th Independence Day was observed Friday at historic Chowgan Ground, Kishtwar, with a sense of solidarity and respect, in view of the tragic cloudburst incident that occurred on August 14th in the Chishoti area of Block Paddar. The ceremony was led by the Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Kishtwar, Pooja Thakur, who hoisted the National Flag, inspected the ceremonial parade and took the salute from the marching contingents comprising JK Police, JKAP, CRPF, Home Guards and NCC cadets. In her address, the DDC Chairperson expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the tragic incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. She assured that the District Administration is fully committed to providing all possible support to the affected families during this difficult time.In the wake of the recent tragedy, the observance of Independence Day was held with due reverence and simplicity, reaffirming the ideals of solidarity, perseverance and compassion.The Independence Day ceremonies were also conducted in a similar manner at the Sub-Division and Tehsil levels across the district.
At Rajouri: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and national pride in Rajouri district, with events held at various locations including the district headquarters and panchayats. The main celebration took place at the District Police Lines ground, where the District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson, Advocate Chowdhary Naseem Liyaqat, unfurled the National Flag and took the ceremonial salute. The parade featured various contingents, including the JKAP, JK Executive Police, and NCC, among others, and was attended by numerous dignitaries and local citizens despite inclement weather. In his address, the DDC Chairperson expressed sorrow over the recent flash floods in Kishtwar, offering condolences to affected families, and paid tribute to the late Additional District Development Commissioner, Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, for his service. He emphasized the historical importance of Independence Day and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the district’s development, highlighting advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social security for vulnerable groups. Advocate Liyaqat also mentioned the focus on self-employment schemes to empower local youth and stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. The celebration included a felicitation ceremony recognizing officers for their exemplary service during Operation Sindoor and contributions to the district’s welfare. The event was well-coordinated by stage secretaries, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees. The DDC Chairperson also called for the preservation of Rajouri’s cultural heritage and communal harmony, urging citizens to contribute to peace and national integration.
