ANANTNAG: Minister for Education, Higher Education, Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, on Saturday hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the main Independence Day function held at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College, Khanabal.
The 80th Independence Day celebrations witnessed participation from officials, students, security personnel and members of the public. Contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets and school students participated in the ceremonial parade.
Addressing the gathering, Itoo paid tributes to freedom fighters, martyrs and national heroes and extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed the importance of upholding the values of freedom, democracy and national unity.
The Minister highlighted various government initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure, improving public service delivery and ensuring that development benefits reach all sections of society.
Referring to the healthcare sector, she said the government was focused on improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to medical services, particularly for women, children and economically weaker sections. She also underlined the importance of education and other key sectors in promoting long-term development.
Itoo said infrastructure development, quality education, healthcare services, employment generation and improved civic amenities remained among the government’s priorities. She urged students and youth to contribute to the development of the district and make use of self-employment and other government schemes.
The function was attended by MLAs Abdul Majeed Bhat, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri, Zafar Ali Khatana, Reyaz Ahmad Khan and Peerzada Feroze Ahmad; Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir Range, Javid Iqbal Matoo; Deputy Commissioner Anantnag Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat; Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure; and senior officers from the civil administration, police and security forces.
Students from various educational institutions presented cultural programmes on patriotic themes, local folk traditions and national unity. The celebrations concluded with prize distribution for parade and cultural performances, besides felicitation of government employees, artists, social activists, sportspersons and other individuals for their contributions in their respective fields.
