ITANAGAR : Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd), along with Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, launched the statewide ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign at the Golden Jubilee State Banquet Hall here on Sunday.
The launch coincided with August Kranti Diwas, commemorating the launch of the Quit India Movement by Mahatma Gandhi on August 9, 1942. As part of the programme, the Governor and Chief Minister handed over National Flags to youth and joined participants in singing the national song ‘Vande Mataram’. Artists from the Department of Art & Culture also presented patriotic performances.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor called upon citizens 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.
Parnaik said that as India progresses towards the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’, patriotism must be reflected not only in words but also through responsible actions, including respect for the Constitution, protection of public property, environmental stewardship and dedicated service to society and the nation.
Reciting his poem on the patriotism of the people of Arunachal Pradesh, the Governor described the Tiranga as a symbol of India’s unity, sacrifice, aspirations and democratic values. He said saffron represents courage and selfless service, white peace, harmony and truth, green prosperity and harmony with nature, while the Ashoka Chakra symbolises continuous progress guided by justice and righteousness.
Recalling the significance of August 9, 1942, the Governor said Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Do or Die’ call during the Quit India Movement inspired millions to unite against colonial rule. The National Flag, he added, emerged as a powerful symbol of freedom, resilience and collective national purpose during the freedom struggle.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s role as the sentinel of India’s eastern frontier, Parnaik said the people of the State have consistently demonstrated exemplary patriotism and commitment to national unity and integrity. He urged schools, colleges, youth organisations, self-help groups and community institutions to organise activities promoting patriotism, national awareness and civic responsibility.
The Governor also called upon the youth to use ‘Jai Hind’ as a salutation symbolising national pride, mutual respect and commitment to the nation. He stressed the importance of dialogue and communication in strengthening emotional integration and advocated greater use of Hindi as a connecting language while preserving and promoting Arunachal Pradesh’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu said the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign was much more than a flag-hoisting initiative, describing it as a nationwide endeavour to deepen patriotism, strengthen national unity and reinforce commitment to the values that define India. He said the Tricolour symbolises courage, sacrifice and dedication and serves as a reminder of every citizen’s duty to uphold democracy, unity and progress.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein paid tribute to the unsung heroes of Arunachal Pradesh who contributed to India’s freedom struggle. He said patriotism was deeply rooted among the people of the State and that the spirit of ‘Jai Hind’ resonated in every Arunachali heart.
Art & Culture, Women & Child Development, Science & Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul, Chief Secretary-in-Charge Saugat Biswas and Art & Culture Secretary Mamata Riba Naksang also addressed the gathering and highlighted the role of the campaign in fostering patriotism, national unity and civic participation.
As part of the programme, the Governor and Chief Minister felicitated ex-servicemen and Gaon Burahs in recognition of their service to the nation and contributions to society.
The event also featured patriotic performances by senior artist Mibi Nyodu Taring and Nachat Munham of the Department of Art & Culture, while Pil Jamja, accompanied by Jaahunghaam Aanok Wangsa, presented a violin rendition.
The programme was attended by Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Tesam Pongte, Ministers Mama Natung and Balo Raja, Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyicyor, legislators, senior civil and police officers, ex-servicemen, Gaon Burahs, youth representatives and students.
The fifth edition of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign is being organised by the Department of Art & Culture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and will culminate on August 17.
Meanwhile, in Namsai, the fifth edition of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign was launched at the District Secretariat, with Namsai Deputy Commissioner Lobsang Tsering urging government employees, students, youth, community organisations and the public to participate actively in the campaign.
District Art and Culture Officer Milingta Namchoom highlighted the significance of the campaign and called for wider public participation. The Deputy Commissioner also stressed the importance of respecting the dignity of the National Flag and clarified that its display on private vehicles is not permitted, except as provided under applicable rules, including on authorised government vehicles.
Citizens were encouraged to hoist the Tiranga at their homes and participate in Tiranga Yatras, rallies, patriotic programmes and the ‘Selfie with Tiranga’ initiative. The campaign will continue in the district till August 17.
In West Kameng, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and commemoration of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ were launched in Bomdila with a Tiranga Pad Yatra led by West Kameng Deputy Commissioner Dr Dilip Kumar.
The yatra began at Bomdila Market and culminated at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, with participation from administrative officers, heads of departments, government officials, SSB personnel, members of the business community, students and the public.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Kumar urged citizens to hoist the National Flag at their homes, shops and offices from August 9 to 17 and participate in the campaign’s activities. He said a bike rally, mass singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ and an essay competition would also be organised as part of the celebrations.
In West Siang, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) organised a ‘Tiranga Rally’ from the 20th Battalion ITBP headquarters in Aalo to Nehru Chowk as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign.
Around 200 ITBP personnel participated in the rally, marching with the National Flag to promote patriotism, national unity and respect for the Tricolour.
The rally was conducted under the direction of 20th Battalion ITBP Commandant Vijay Bhatti and led by Assistant Commandant (AC/GD) Gouranga Mandal. The event also saw participation from local citizens and highlighted the bond between the security force and the community.
In Tirap, Khonsa East MLA Wanglam Sawin flagged off a ‘Tiranga Abhiyan’ Bullet Rally at Khonsa in the presence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta. Organised jointly by the district administration and AR-13 Tirap Riders and Jaro Riders teams, the rally featured 24 riders.
Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, who led the rally along with the participants, called upon the people of Tirap to participate enthusiastically in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign and display the Tricolour at their homes.
MLA Wanglam Sawin also urged citizens to participate in the campaign from August 9 to 17 and draw inspiration from the National Flag to uphold the ideals of patriotism, unity and national pride.
The rally, which began from the Tini-Ali Old Petrol Pump point, covered around 20 km and culminated at Lamsa village. Tirap Deputy Commissioner Badonlum Tawsik and other senior district officials, elected representatives, security personnel, youth and community leaders participated in the event.
In Upper Siang, the district administration launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign with a Tiranga Path Yatra at Yingkiong General Ground.
Upper Siang DC Talo Jerang flagged off the yatra, which saw participation from government officials, police personnel, teachers and students, PRI members, public representatives, community organisations and local residents.
Addressing the gathering, Jerang urged people to take pride in being Indians and contribute towards the peace, unity and development of the country. He said the campaign had transformed the National Flag into a symbol of collective pride by encouraging citizens to bring the Tiranga home and hoist it with dignity.
Highlighting the strategic location of Upper Siang as a border district, he particularly urged residents of remote border villages to proudly hoist the National Flag as an expression of patriotism and commitment to the unity and integrity of the country.
The programme also featured a rendition of ‘Vande Mataram’ by students of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Awasiya Vidyalaya, Yingkiong, followed by the Tiranga Path Yatra through the township.
