Shillong, August 13: The Department of Arts and Culture, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with Indian Council For Cultural Relations (ICCR) today organised the “State Launch of Har Ghar Tiranga” at a programme held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. Education Minister, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui graced the occasion as Chief Guest and Chief Secretary, Shri D P Wahlang as Guest of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Lahkmen Rymbui said that it is a very important day for us Indians as we emphasise the importance of our national flag, stating that we are about to complete 75 years of Independence and also after completing 50 years of statehood, he could see the passion, the love of the people of the state for the national flag at this time.
Stating that while traversing the different areas of the state the tri colour is visible and flying high on top of every house, even vehicles are moving with tri colour on them, he added. Shri Rymbui also expressed his gratitude to the many SHGs for engaging themselves with the making of national flags.
The minister also thanked the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for reminding the people that the national flag is the pride of the nation, apart from having the national flag in our houses, we should also have it in our heart, he further stated.
He added that in the past years, the national flag was used only during occasions but now we need to realise that as Indians we have to preserve and value the national treasure, national symbol and our pride.
This is just part of our duty, our service to respect the nation which has given us so much; despite the diversity we have so much freedom as Indians in our own country, he added. Reminding the gathering about the national flag, he said that each and every aspect of the national flag has its own meaning and encouraged the students to live up to its ideals.
He further added that as citizens we should be proud of the country and raise the national flag with pride. He also wished each and every citizen of the country through this movement to integrate the symbol of the country into our way of life.
Shri D P Wahlang in his address said that the launching of the programme comes under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence. The Har Ghar Tiranga programme will last for three days from 13th to 15th of August, this is to ensure that on completion of 75 years of Independence.
There is a personal connection between the citizens and the Indian flag, where the whole idea is to invoke patriotism in the hearts of the people and also to create awareness about the national flag, he added. He also dwelt at length about the meaning of the Indian flag and what each colour implies as well as the meaning of the Ashoka Chakra and its 24 spokes.
The programme saw the participation of students from various schools in the city, artistes groups from different areas of the state and senior citizens. Others who were present included Shri F R Kharkongor, Commissioner Arts & Culture, Shri C V D Diengdoh, Secretary Home etc, Smti I Laloo, Deputy Commissioner East Khasi Hills, Shri K L Nongbri, State Nodal Officer Har Ghar Tiranga, Shri M Sangma, Director DIPR among others.
