TAWANG, 13 Aug: In the run-up to the Independence Day, the spirit of patriotism came alive on the roads of Tawang on Thursday with a vibrant 'Tiranga Bike & Cycle Yatra' from Chhamleng, Tawang monastery, to the Tawang War Memorial.

With the tricolour fluttering high and spirited chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Vande Mataram" echoing through the mountain town, cyclists and bikers carried forward a powerful message of unity, freedom, and national pride.

The tiranga yatra was jointly flagged off by Tawang Additional Deputy Commissioner Rinchin Leta, Superintendent of Police Tasi Darang, Kyidphel ZPM Tenzin Monpa, and Tawang ZPM Sonam Nordzin.

Members of the Tawang Cycling Association, representatives of political parties, police personnel and members of the public participated in the yatra, turning the journey into a colourful celebration of the national tricolour.

At the Tawang War Memorial, the participants were accorded a warm reception by the deputy commander and senior officers of the Tawang Brigade.

The culmination of the yatra at the war memorial lent a deeper meaning to the occasion. Standing as an eternal symbol of valour, sacrifice and supreme devotion to the nation, the memorial reminded every participant of the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the motherland.

Meanwhile, a tiranga yatra was organised across Chuna and Mago vibrant villages in Tawang, situated at an altitude of around 13,000 feet, to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram and the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

The programme was organised by the Jang subdivisional administration, in collaboration with Mukto BJP mandal, Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the villagers of Mago and Chuna.

A major highlight of the programme was the carrying of a 300-metre-long national flag from Chuna to Mago village.

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the high Himalayan mountains, the participants proudly carried the tiranga through the remote border landscape, transforming the yatra into a powerful expression of national unity, pride and patriotism.

Addressing the gathering, ZPC Leki Gombu spoke on the significance of the Har Ghar Tiranga and Tiranga Yatra campaigns in strengthening the spirit of nationalism and respect for the national flag. He appreciated the strong and enduring bond shared by the residents of these remote Indo-Tibet border villages with the Indian Army and other security forces deployed along the frontier.

He also requested the Army and security agencies to continue extending their support and assistance to the people residing in these difficult and strategically important border areas.

Jang ADC Hakraso Kri expressed gratitude to all the participants for joining the programme with great enthusiasm despite the remoteness, difficult terrain and high-altitude conditions. He said that the overwhelming participation of villagers, security personnel, panchayat representatives and officials reflected their deep respect and affection for the national tricolour.

In Keyi Panyor district, a 'tiranga padyatra' was organised from Hotel 3D to the general ground in Yachuli on Thursday as part of the ongoing nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and the celebration marking 150 years of Vande Mataram.

The padyatra was led by Deputy Commissioner Ankita Mishra, ZPC Nabam Piju, and DACO (i/c) Hage Okang. The event witnessed the participation of Assistant Commissioner Dr Mumne Borang, DSP Hage Nado, administrative officers, HoD, ZPMs, PRI leaders, government officials, teachers and students, and members of the Yachuli Market Welfare Committee.

Addressing the gathering, ZPC Piju highlighted the importance and value of the national flag, and recalled the immense sacrifices made by the freedom fighters for the nation's independence. She urged students to remain disciplined, sincere and dedicated towards their studies, and encouraged them to grow into responsible, peace-loving citizens who can meaningfully contribute to nation-building.

The DC in her address elaborated the significance of the three colours of the national flag, and exhorted everyone to uphold the values and spirit represented by the tiranga not merely as a symbol of national pride, but as a guiding principle in their daily lives.

A tiranga yatra was organised also in Basar in Leparada district on Thursday as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

The march witnessed enthusiastic participation of students, government employees, members of the public, police personnel, and personnel of 49th Battalion ITBP, who came together to honour the national flag and reaffirm their commitment to the ideals of unity and national pride.

The march was led by DC Himani Meena and local MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi. The yatra commenced from the office complex of the deputy commissioner, and proceeded through the main township and market areas, also passing through the government higher secondary school area, before culminating at Todak Basar Memorial Stadium.

Addressing the gathering at the stadium, the DC urged the students and participants to remember the supreme sacrifices made by the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation. She also paid tribute to the brave soldiers guarding the country's borders.

MLA Dirchi also paid rich tribute to the freedom fighters and emphasised the significance of the tiranga as a symbol of peace, unity and national pride. She called upon everyone, particularly the younger generation, to uphold the dignity and honour of the national flag and carry forward the values represented by it.

In Lower Siang district, the Art & Culture Department organised an exhibition on the national flag as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, in collaboration with the Information & Public Relations Department.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Likabali ADC Mokar Riba, in the presence of HoDs and other officials.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation of students of various schools in Likabali, along with NCC cadets from Government Higher Secondary School, Likabali.

Addressing the gathering, ADC Riba highlighted the significance of the national flag, and emphasised the need to respect and uphold the values it represents. He urged teachers to educate students about the history, importance, and symbolism of the national flag, so that the younger generation develops a deeper sense of patriotism and national pride.

The exhibition showcased the historical evolution of the national flag, its significance, and its role as a symbol of unity, sovereignty, and national identity. (With inputs from DIPROs)