GANDERBAL, AUGUST 15: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated across District Ganderbal with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm, with the main function held at Qamaria Stadium, Ganderbal, where Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, hoisted the National Flag and took the salute on the occasion.
The Deputy Commissioner inspected the parade and witnessed the march past presented by contingents of Police, security forces and students.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner extended warm greetings to the people of Ganderbal on the occasion of Independence Day and paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and national heroes whose sacrifices made the country’s freedom possible. He called upon citizens to uphold the values of unity, integrity, brotherhood and constitutional responsibility.
Highlighting the developmental progress of the district, he said that Ganderbal is witnessing significant advancements in connectivity, infrastructure and public services. He highlighted major projects including the Zojila Tunnel and Srinagar Ring Road Phase II and II A, besides initiatives under Jal Jeevan Mission, power sector and renewable energy.
The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted ongoing efforts in healthcare, education, social security, women empowerment, agriculture, youth entrepreneurship, tourism and sports, and emphasised the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society.
Speaking about the fight against drug abuse, he said that the district administration has adopted a whole-of-society approach under the Nasha Mukt Jammu and Kashmir Abhiyan, focusing on awareness, counselling, rehabilitation, youth engagement and strict enforcement. He appealed to parents, teachers, religious leaders and community organisations to contribute towards making Ganderbal a drug-free district.
Highlighting the developments in agriculture and youth entrepreneurship, the Deputy Commissioner said that HADP and JKCIP have strengthened livelihoods through income generating units, while Mission YUVA is creating opportunities for entrepreneurship, self-employment and self reliance among youth and women.
He also appreciated the achievements of Ganderbal’s sportspersons and students including the participation of 51 children in National level Games, with seven securing medals at the national level.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the administration’s vision is to build a cleaner, greener, healthier, better connected and economically vibrant Ganderbal.
He called upon citizens to work collectively towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and contribute towards making Ganderbal a model district in the country.
The celebrations also featured patriotic and vibrant cultural performances by students, adding colour and patriotic fervour to the occasion.
On the occasion, meritorious students, officers and officials, police personnel and other achievers were felicitated in recognition of their outstanding performance and dedicated services. The students and participants who took part in the march past were also appreciated for their disciplined and enthusiastic participation in the Independence Day celebrations.
The main function was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal, Additional District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Assistant Commissioner Development, district and sectoral officers, police and security personnel, students, civil society representatives and a large gathering of the general public.
Independence Day functions were also organised at Sub Divisional, Tehsil, Block, Panchayat, Urban Local Body and educational institutions across the district with enthusiastic participation of officials, students and citizens.
The celebrations concluded with a renewed pledge to uphold the ideals of freedom, unity, brotherhood and constitutional values, and to contribute towards building a stronger, prosperous and Viksit Bharat.
