ITANAGAR, 9 Aug: Governor KT Parnaik, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein launched the statewide 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign from the state banquet hall here on Sunday.
The day also commemorates the August Kranti Diwas (Quit India Movement Day) of 1942 launched by Mahatma Gandhi.
On the occasion, the governor, along with the chief minister, handed over the national flag to youths and joined the participants in singing Vande Mataram.
Staff artistes of the Art & Culture Department presented patriotic items as part of the celebrations marking the 5th edition of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
Addressing the gathering, the governor called upon every citizen to proudly hoist the national flag and actively participate in the campaign, describing it as "a people's movement that rekindles patriotism and strengthens emotional integration."
He said that, as India marches towards the vision of 'Viksit Bharat@2047', patriotism must be reflected in words and also in responsible actions, including respect for the Constitution, protection of public property, environmental stewardship, and dedicated service to society and the nation.
The governor, who recited a self-composed poem on the patriotism of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, highlighted the profound significance of the national flag, stating that it is the living symbol of India's unity, sacrifice, aspirations and democratic values.
He explained that the saffron colour represents courage and selfless service, white signifies peace, harmony and truth, green symbolizes prosperity and harmony with nature, while the Ashoka Chakra inspires continuous progress guided by justice and righteousness.
Recalling the historic importance of 9 August, the governor noted that on this day in 1942, Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement with the clarion call of 'Do or Die', inspiring millions of Indians to unite against colonial rule. He said that the national flag emerged as a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience and collective national purpose during the freedom struggle.
Emphasising the role of Arunachal as the sentinel of India's eastern frontier, the governor said that the people of the state have always demonstrated exemplary patriotism and dedication to safeguarding national unity and integrity. He urged schools, colleges, youth organisations, self-help groups and community institutions to organise activities that promote patriotism, national awareness and civic responsibility. He encouraged young people to greet one another with 'Jai Hind' - a salutation that embodies national pride, mutual respect and a shared commitment to the nation.
The governor also underscored the importance of strengthening emotional integration through dialogue and communication. Calling for preserving and promoting the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Arunachal, he advocated greater use of Hindi as a language that connects people across regions and reinforces the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.
Calling upon citizens to honour the sacrifices of the freedom fighters, the governor said that the national flag has inspired generations of Indians, from soldiers guarding the nation's borders and scientists advancing national progress to sportspersons representing India on global platforms. He expressed confidence that the national flag would continue to inspire courage, unity and excellence as the country advances towards a stronger, more prosperous and inclusive future.
The chief minister said that the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign "is far more than a flag-hoisting initiative; it is a nationwide endeavour to deepen patriotism, strengthen national unity and foster a stronger bond with the values that define India."
He noted that the tricolour stands as a timeless symbol of courage, sacrifice and dedication, honouring the countless freedom fighters who secured the nation's independence. The flag, he added, also reminds every citizen of the duty to uphold the ideals of democracy, unity and progress.
DCM Mein paid tributes to the unsung heroes of Arunachal who contributed to India's freedom struggle. He said that love for the nation is deeply ingrained in the people of the state and that the spirit of 'Jai Hind' resonates in every Arunachali heart.
He emphasised that the tricolour remains a source of immense pride, inspiring citizens to remain committed to the nation's growth and integrity.
Women & Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul, Chief Secretary (i/c) Saugat Biswas, and Art & Culture Secretary Mamata Riba Naksang also addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in fostering patriotism, strengthening national unity, and inspiring citizens to actively participate in the celebration of India's rich heritage and democratic values.
As part of the programme, the governor and the chief minister felicitated ex-servicemen and gaon buras in recognition of their service to the nation and contributions to society.
Senior artist Mibi Nyodu Taring and Nachat Munham of the Department of Art & Culture enthralled the audience with soulful patriotic songs, while Pil Jamja, accompanied by Jaahunghaam Aanok Wangsa, presented a captivating violin rendition, adding a stirring patriotic fervour to the celebration.
The launch programme was attended by ministers, legislators, senior civil and police officers, ex-servicemen, GBs, members of youth organisations, students, and citizens from different parts of the state.
The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign will culminate on 17 August.
In Upper Siang, the district administration launched the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign from the general ground in Yingkiong.
To mark the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang flagged off a 'tiranga padyatra'. The march witnessed the participation of government officers and officials, police personnel, teachers and students of VKV Yingkiong and NSCBAV Yingkiong, PRI and public leaders, members of APWWS Yingkiong unit, Yingkiong BJP unit, and the general public.
Addressing the gathering, the DC highlighted the objectives and significance of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, and urged everyone to take pride in being an Indian and contribute towards peace, unity and development of the country.
The celebration featured a rendition of Vande Mataram by the students of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya Yingkiong, and a colourful tiranga padyatra through Yingkiong township.
In Tirap district, flagging off a 'Tiranga Abhiyan' Bullet ride from Khonsa as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign in the presence of Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin on Sunday urged the people of Tirap to participate wholeheartedly in the campaign and celebrate the values of patriotism, unity, and national pride.
He also called upon citizens to uphold the ideals of the nation and contribute towards building a strong, united, and developed India.
The ride, which was flagged off from the Tini-Ali Old Petrol Pump point, covered approximately 20 km, and concluded at Lamsa village.
Leading the Tiranga Abhiyan Bullet ride, the CS called upon the people of the district to participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and ensure that the tricolour is proudly displayed at every home.
The CS, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik and his team, participated in the ride up to Lamsa village, before proceeding to Changlang district for the TCL official tour programme.
Gupta also commended the district administration for organising the ride, and commended the district administration for its arrangements and hospitality during his two-day visit to the district.
Tawsik said that the ride was organised to inspire citizens to proudly display the national flag and celebrate the spirit of patriotism, unity, and national pride.
The programme was attended by government officials, including Chief Electoral Officer Pawan Kumar Sain and Zilla Parishad Chairperson John KK Matey, ZPMs from various blocks, Tirap BJP unit president Lankham Wangsu and public leader Jiten Wangchha.
The Bullet ride was jointly organised by the district administration, in collaboration with the AR-13 Tirap Riders and Jaro Riders teams of Tirap district. A total of 24 riders participated in the ride.
In West Kameng district, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram were launched in Bomdila on Sunday with a tiranga padyatra led by Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar.
The DC flagged off the tiranga padyatra, which commenced from Bomdila market and culminated at the deputy commissioner's office.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Kumar underscored the significance of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, and called upon the public to actively participate in the nationwide initiative by hoisting the national flag at their homes, shops, and offices from 9 to 17 August.
He also informed that a series of activities, including a bike ride, mass Vande Mataram programme, and essay competition have been planned as part of the campaign. Urging the citizens to participate wholeheartedly, he said the campaign is an opportunity to strengthen patriotism and honour the nation's rich heritage and sacrifices.
In West Siang district, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) organised a 'tiranga march' on Sunday in Aalo, marching from the 20th Battalion ITBP headquarters to Nehru Chowk as part of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.
The rally witnessed enthusiastic participation of approximately 200 ITBP personnel, who marched with the national flag to convey the message of patriotism, national unity, and respect for the tricolour.
The event was conducted under the direction of ITBP 20th Battalion Commandant Vijay Bhatti, and was led by Assistant Commandant Gouranga Mandal. (Lok Bhavan, with inputs from DIPROs)
