Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday said the Centre's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' initiative has become a mass movement and invokes a spirit of nationalism and patriotism among the younger generation.

Launching the campaign at the August Kranti Maidan in south Mumbai on the occasion of the 82nd anniversary of the Quit India movement, Shinde said the national flag will be hoisted atop 2.5 crore houses, offices and commercial establishments in the state. "The Har Ghar Tiranga initiative which started three years ago has turned into a mass movement. It evokes a sense of nationalism and patriotism among the younger generation," he said. The campaign which began on Friday will continue till August 15, he added.

People are encouraged to display the national flag at their homes and other establishments during the run up to the Independence Day on August 15 as part of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. "The Quit India call given from the August Kranti Maidan was the final struggle for independence and the new generation should be made aware of the sacrifices of the freedom fighters," Shinde said. Programmes like 'Tiranga March' and felicitation of freedom fighters will be held across the state, he said.

On the occasion, Shinde administered a pledge to citizens that they will hoist the national flag in their homes, and also flagged off a cyclathon and a padyatra (foot march) of students and youth. Shinde paid floral tributes to martyrs at the August Kranti Maidan to mark the 82nd anniversary of the Quit India movement.