ANANTNAG: District administrations across south Kashmir on Sunday launched the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and programmes commemorating 150 years of Vande Mataram, with officials calling for enthusiastic public participation in activities leading up to Independence Day.
In Anantnag, the district administration kick-started the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign-2026 and the third phase of the 150 Years of Vande Mataram Commemoration at a function held at the Town Hall. The celebrations, scheduled from August 9 to 17, aim to foster national unity and promote awareness about India’s freedom movement and national symbols.
Deputy Commissioner Dr Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, who presided over the event, paid tribute to freedom fighters and stressed the importance of instilling the values of patriotism and public service among citizens, particularly the youth. He said the campaign would serve as a platform to honour national heroes and inspire younger generations through their sacrifices and commitment.
Explaining the significance of the National Flag, Dr Bilal highlighted the origins of the Ashoka Chakra and said it symbolises progress, justice and the rule of law. He called for the organisation of mega Tiranga rallies, cultural and creative activities, and “Selfie with Tiranga” programmes across schools, colleges, panchayats, public institutions and government offices with maximum public participation.
He urged citizens to contribute towards building a responsible, progressive and cohesive society, saying the national flag, national anthem and national song remain enduring symbols of unity and resilience. A documentary on the history and evolution of the Tricolour was also screened on the occasion.
In Shopian, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign was launched with a district-level function at Government Girls Higher Secondary School. The event witnessed participation from citizens, students and officials.
Addressing the gathering, Additional Deputy Commissioner Dr Zakir Hussain Faaz said the campaign honours the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reinforces the responsibility of every citizen to uphold the values of unity and integrity. Students presented patriotic songs and cultural performances reflecting their respect for the National Flag and love for the country.
Meanwhile, the District Administration Kulgam inaugurated the third phase of the Vande Mataram campaign and the Har Ghar Tiranga programme at the Mini Secretariat.
Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Alam said the campaign, which will continue till August 17, seeks to encourage citizens to hoist the National Flag at their homes, offices and public institutions. He highlighted the historic role of Vande Mataram in India’s freedom struggle and called upon people from all walks of life to make the campaign a mass movement.
The launch programme featured renditions of the national song, pledge ceremonies and awareness activities centred on Vande Mataram. Cultural performances by local theatre groups and students were also held. Similar programmes are scheduled across all blocks and panchayats of the district over the next nine days.
In Pulwama, the campaign began with a mega Tiranga rally at Tral, organised as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign–2026 and the third phase of the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram. The rally brought together people from different sections of society in a display of patriotism and national pride.
Led by Deputy Commissioner Dr Basharat Qayoom, the rally was attended by MLA Tral Rafiq Ahmad Naik, SSP Awantipora Sajad Ahmad Shah, senior civil, police and CRPF officers, elected representatives, students, youth, social activists, civil society members and families of martyrs.
The programme began at Government Degree College Tral with the rendition of the National Song and National Anthem before the rally proceeded through various parts of the town and culminated at Tral Bus Stand. Tributes were paid to martyrs, while families of those who laid down their lives in service of the nation were felicitated.
Addressing participants, Dr Basharat described the campaign as a people’s movement and said Pulwama had set an example of public participation during previous editions. He said a detailed calendar of activities had been prepared across the district to promote the message of patriotism, unity and national pride and urged people to actively participate in the campaign.
Officials said the programmes across the four districts are aimed at strengthening national pride, encouraging community participation and honouring the legacy of India’s freedom movement ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
