From Kashmir to Kanyakumari Nation celebrated the Independence day with extraordinary enthusiasm. This time Kashmir valley witnessed major events to hoist the Tricolour. Those parts of Kashmir valley which were considered hotbed of militancy and stone pelting were found surprisingly wearing a festive look as several celebrations took place there during the campaign “Har Ghar Tiranga”. The unconventional public response to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in the valley brought excitement in the power corridors.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha while expressing his joy over Public response said,“Raising Pakistani flags is history. Now only the Indian flag will fly here. Earlier, there were less efforts to get people to raise the Tiranga. Now there are efforts and people want to raise the flag,”
People in Kashmir belonging to all walks of life participated in the campaign. A newspaper reported that in Pulwama, over 1000 school children arranged themselves in the colours of the National Flag. They also made a special pattern, by seating themselves in a way that depicted “75 years: Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” on synthetic turf of the school. Pulwama is one among the districts of South Kashmir which witnessed violence and was under complete threat after the killing of Burhan wani. But now, situation is completely different than the earlier. About Burhan Wani’s home town Tral media quoting Deputy Commissioner Pulwama reported that the rallies were held in Tral and Pulwama town saw participation of a huge number of youths and students. The Tricolour was being hoisted in the shops and other establishments, especially in the whole market of Pulwama town besides private houses. Similarly, in summer capital Srinagar many events displaying patriotism of citizens towards the nation took place and historical Lal Chowk remained busiest spot for these activities . Women folk using crane installed national flag on the top of the Clock tower. Srinagar has remained such a spot from last more than three decades where people always isolated themselves from any such activity but now Kashmiris are expressing their sentiments in favour of the nation. Not only this but media reported that Srinagar district established a national record by displaying 1850 metres long National Flag at Bakshi Stadium. Around 500 persons were engaged to roll and unroll the flag. “It took 10 days to stitch the record 1850-meter-long national flag,” an official was quoted as saying. It was made of Khadi fabric. In frontier district of Kupwara , over 5,000 students held a mega rally to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Parts of district Kupwara like Keran, Karnah, Machil which were used as infiltration routes by the militants and are situated very close to Pakistan occupied Kashmir witnessed similar events in which thousands of people participated. In Keran Kupwara along the LOC a 72-feet high monumental tri-colour was hoisted during an event in which locals and students took part.
In Baramulla, scores of self-help groups run by women were roped in to maintain the supply of the Tricolour. Several functions and road marches were organised in the district.
Families of militants in different parts of South Kashmir hoisted Tricolour on their house. Pictures on social media reflecting the same brought happiness on the faces of millions of Indians. This is really a big success of India in Kashmir. People of Kashmir were used and misled by the enemy but Kashmiris have realised now that they have been exploited continuously. The mass participation in Tricolour campaigns sent across a big and clear message to the enemy that the soil of Kashmir will never be allowed to be used further.
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha hoisted the tricolour at the function on the occasion of 76th Independence Day, at Srinagar.
The Lt Governor inspected the parade and took a salute at march past. One of the leading newspaper of the Valley reported the event in these words, “ Evoking the spirit of patriotic ethos, students and cultural artists presented colourful cultural items. The celebrations of the 76th Independence Day remembered the sacrifices of our bravehearts and martyrs, and rekindled the spirit of the Indian freedom movement. Cultural pageantry with themes of national integration demonstrated our shared commitment to fundamental values of social harmony, and the artists representing the glorious composite heritage also exhibited the glimpses of a new and resurgent J&K. Energetic performances of Bhand Pather and Bhangra dance were also presented on the occasion.”
This year several campaigns including ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ under the aegis of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ were celebrated to commemorate 75 years of Independence. The programme aimed to invoke a feeling of patriotism among the citizens and promote awareness about Tricolour . Under ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’, citizens were encouraged to hoist the National Flag of India (Tiranga) atop their homes. Thus the campaign made the relationship with the national flag a more personal one rather than just keeping it formal or institutional as was done in the past. The aim of the government seems yielding the results.
Kashmiris who were earlier lubricant to hold the nation flag are seen owning it. It is indeed a great success of the government.

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