ITANAGAR, AUG 15:
The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at Lok Bhavan here on Saturday, with Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd) hoisting the National Flag and receiving the Guard of Honour presented by Echo Company of the 33rd Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police attached to Lok Bhavan.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor described Independence Day as a sacred reminder of the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters whose courage, determination and selfless service secured the nation’s liberty. He urged citizens to honour the legacy of national heroes and Arunachal Pradesh’s freedom fighters and uphold the values of democracy, justice, equality, unity and service to the nation.
Highlighting the significance of the year, Parnaik noted that India is celebrating eight decades of Independence as well as the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram”. He said the immortal song inspired generations during the freedom movement and continues to symbolise patriotism, national pride and collective destiny.
The Governor highlighted Arunachal Pradesh’s progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, hydropower and skill development. He said initiatives for youth, women, farmers and self-help groups, along with focused development of border villages, were creating new opportunities and strengthening self-reliance.
Referring to initiatives at Lok Bhavan, Parnaik highlighted administrative reforms, promotion of sports and fitness, organic farming and efforts under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat to familiarise schoolchildren with India’s rich cultural heritage. He called upon citizens to contribute towards building a prosperous, peaceful and self-reliant nation guided by unity in diversity and devotion to the motherland.
The celebration featured a rendition of “Vande Mataram” by students of Rajiv Gandhi University. Gollo Aniya of Let’s Speak Arunachal also addressed the gathering on the significance of Independence Day and urged citizens, particularly the youth, to uphold the values of unity, service and national responsibility.
The programme included the prize distribution ceremony for the Independence Day Lok Bhavan Games and Sports Competition. Referees and organisers were also felicitated for their contribution to the successful conduct of the event.
A special citation was presented to Geyir Ete in recognition of her contribution to public communication and her service in anchoring and conducting important state functions.
The Governor also presented Best Employee Awards to Sipiyang Pangkam, Gopal Darnal, Gulam Mustapa and Abhijeet Roy in recognition of their sincerity and dedication to duty.
The Governor and First Lady Anagha Parnaik distributed sweets to officers and staff of Lok Bhavan. Departmental officials attached to Lok Bhavan, along with students and teachers from government and private schools, participated in the celebration.
