Tura, August 06: The District Administration of West Garo Hills is gearing up for the 70th Independence Day celebration in two venues of Dikki Bandi Stadium for 15th August and Chandmary playground for the entire week . As part of the celebration, a unique sporting and cultural event titled – “Freedom Fest” will be held from August 11 – 15 at Government Boy’s Higher Secondary School Playground, popularly called Chandmari field Tura .The festival aims to propagate the message of unity in diversity and national integration.
The main highlight of the fest will be Freedom Challenge Cup, 9-a-side football tournament, which is being participated by 16 top teams of Garo hills, invited for the series. .On August 14, free style dribbling contest, free kick competition and penalty shoot out will be held from 1 pm onwards. The contest is open to all and registration will be on the spot.
The other attractions will be inter-locality tug-of-war and strongest man of Tura, which will be held on August 15 from 1 pm onwards. But the central attraction will be ‘the beautiful game’ – football . “Football is very close to the people in Garo hills and youths in both rural and urban areas have always shown their enthusiasm for the game. The event is set to attract attention as we mark the celebrations for Independence Day and resolve to prepare ourselves for hosting the National Games of 2022 ”, said Pravin Bakshi, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills.
The administration is upbeat that the fest will connect both young and old. “We are hopeful of engaging people in the celebration of Independence Day and create awareness about the sacrifices made by freedom fighters”, the Deputy Commissioner remarked. To foster this spirit all 16 participating teams will represent different freedom fighters.“The football teams will represent freedom fighters and present and name their teams as squads like – Mahatma Gandhi, Bhagat Singh, Rani Laxmi Bai, etc” the DC added.The fest is being supported and sponsored by Chief Minister’s Youth Development Scheme and Chief Minister’s Youth for Green initiative .
A massive tree plantation drive shall be a part of the celebrations with focus o planting indigenous varieties of plants and trees growing naturally in Garo Hills .In Dikki-Bandi stadium – the traditional and official venue for the celebration of Independence Day there shall be the parade of school contingents , scouts and guides . There shall also be a “cultural marathon” as this year a record number of 17 schools , colleges and institutions have confirmed participation for the cultural part of the celebrations to add colour and fervour to the celebrations . There shall also be a felicitation programme for the youth icons of West Garo Hills to acknowledge their superlative efforts in the field of academics , music , art and culture .
