The Department of Arts and Culture in collaboration with Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR) organised the “State Launch of Har Ghar Tiranga” at U Soso Tham Auditorium here today.
Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui who graced the occasion as chief guest said that it is a very important day for the citizens of the country to emphasise the importance of the national flag. He said as the country completes 75 years of Independence and Meghalaya after completing 50 years of statehood, he could see the passion, the love of the people of the state for the national flag at this time.
Stating that while traversing the different areas of the state the tri colour is visible and flying high on top of every house, even vehicles are moving with tri colour on them he expressed his gratitude to the many SHGs for engaging themselves with the making of national flags.
The minister also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for reminding the people that the national flag is the pride of the nation. He said apart from having the national flag in every home, citizens should also have it in their hearts.
He added that in the past years, the national flag was used only during occasions but now every India should realise that it is important to preserve and value the national treasure, national symbol and pride. “This is just part of our duty, our service to respect the nation which has given us so much; despite the diversity we have so much freedom as Indians in our own country,” he added.
Reminding the gathering about the national flag, he said that each and every aspect of the national flag has its own meaning and encouraged the students to live up to its ideals. He further added that as citizens we should be proud of the country and raise the national flag with pride. He also wished each and every citizen of the country through this movement to integrate the symbol of the country into our way of life.
Chief Secretary D P Wahlang in his address said that the launching of the programme comes under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence.
The Har Ghar Tiranga programme will last for three days from August 13 to 15 to ensure that on completion of 75 years of Independence, there is a personal connection between the citizens and the Indian flag. The whole idea is to invoke patriotism in the hearts of the people and also to create awareness about the national flag, he added.
He also dwelt at length about the meaning of the Indian flag and what each colour implies as well as the meaning of the Ashoka Chakra and its 24 spokes.
The programme saw the participation of students from various schools in the city, artistes groups from different areas of the state and senior citizens.
Others who were present included F R Kharkongor, Commissioner Arts & Culture, C V D Diengdoh, Secretary Home, Isawanda Laloo, Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills, K L Nongbri, State Nodal Officer Har Ghar Tiranga, M Sangma, Director DIPR among others.
