Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today flagged off the Tiranga Yatra from Dal Lake in Srinagar.
He, along with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, joined the walkathon from Dal Lake to Botanical Garden.
“Tiranga is my Dharma. Tiranga is my strength. Tiranga is my heartbeat,” said the Lieutenant Governor.
He also observed that it would be a blessing to be born again to serve the country.
He paid tributes to the forefathers and brave hearts who laid down their lives to keep the tricolour flying high in its full glory.
“Thousands of people proudly joined to honour the National Flag, which symbolises our unity, pride and shared identity. Today is the day to celebrate the success of our great nation; however, we should also introspect about our duties and build on our successes.
We must also resolve to build the edifice of modern and prosperous J&K on the foundation of sacrifices of our soldiers of the Army, CAPFs and Police,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Jammu and Kashmir has entered a new era of inclusive development.
“With renewed self-confidence and faith, the people of J&K are writing their own destiny. The unfulfilled dreams of generations are finally being realised. With love for the Maa Bharti in their hearts, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are marching ahead. This patriotic spirit is our greatest strength, which is paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous future of J&K and the nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to the people of Jammu Kashmir, Youth, Nari Shakti, Public Representatives, Culture Department, Education Department, J&K Police and Security Forces, Educational institutions, NCC Cadets and all stakeholders for their historic participation and contribution to Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan.
“The skies of Jammu and Kashmir are shining with the tricolor. From the banks of the Jhelum to the Chenab and from the peaks of Pir Panjal to Harmukh, the echo of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” can be heard everywhere. A new generation is rising, dedicated to the honour and glory of the tricolor. They have one resolve- to live and die for Maa Bharti,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the “Weaves & Threads Activity” across schools, colleges, streets, and neighbourhoods in Jammu Kashmir, has ignited a new sense of purpose and resolve.
Events like Tiranga Mela, Tiranga Concerts, and Tiranga Bike Rallies organised across the UT in the last few days have also been a powerful medium to share the saga of our freedom fighters and spread the message of peace and national unity, the Lieutenant Governor further said.
The Lieutenant Governor appealed to all the sections of the society, especially the Youth of Jammu Kashmir to participate enthusiastically in the 3rd Phase of Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan starting from 13th August.
“Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan is a campaign of the dreams and aspirations of every youth. It is a symbol of self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir which is now charting a clear and resolute path toward the future. This campaign is a pledge to make Jammu Kashmir the best in every field. The tricolour will fly high on the Government Buildings and all the houses across Jammu Kashmir. This is a campaign to celebrate our ideals and our unity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the Kargil War Heroes and released a Monograph in the honour of the Martyrs of Jammu Kashmir.
Tiranga Concert, filled with patriotic ethos, paid a moving tribute to countless heroes and bravehearts and rekindled the spirit of the Indian freedom movement.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the people to preserve and uphold the honour of the national flag, calling it a living symbol of India’s identity, pride and the sacrifices of countless patriots.
He was addressing a gathering at the Tiranga Rally concluded at the Nehru Memorial Botanical Garden, Chashma-i-Shahi, Srinagar.
Reflecting on the past, the Chief Minister recalled that there was a time when the national flag was only permitted to fly over government buildings, barred from being displayed in homes, workplaces, or private spaces. “This was the reality we lived in — the flag belonged to the nation, yet it was absent from our personal lives,” he said.
Highlighting the role of a single determined citizen who approached the courts and secured the right for every Indian to hoist the Tiranga at their homes, the Chief Minister said this change was proof that “even one individual, driven by the right intentions, can bring about lasting change.”
He paid rich tribute to those who laid down their lives for the honour of the national flag, stating, “They gave up their present for the nation’s future, stood alone if necessary, and believed their single act of courage could defend the dignity of our Tiranga.”
Underscoring the need for the flag to remain a constant symbol of pride, not just during official functions, Omar Abdullah called on citizens to “raise it higher — both physically and in the respect we give it — inspired by the sacrifices of those who came before us.”
Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister, along with Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, led a vibrant Tiranga Rally from the picturesque lawns of the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC). Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, and Javed Dar were also present, alongside senior civil and police officers.
The rally saw enthusiastic participation from people across all walks of life, including youth, students, and community members.
