The State song was sung for the first time at the end of the Independence Day programme at Parade Grounds on Monday. Meanwhile, the 70th Independence Day was observed with happiness and enthusiasm across the State. Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat hoisted the tri-colour at 10.00 am at Parade Ground. He took the salute of the Independence Day march-past presented by the State cops.
While interacting with the media persons after the
programme was over, Rawat greeted the people and said that his Government was committed to take all possible steps for the welfare of the people.
lauding the fact that the State song was presented in public for the first time, he expressed his gratitude to the members of the State song selection committee, lyricist, composer and singer of the song.
He said that the song epitomised the inclusive culture, history, geography and identity of people of Uttarakhand. CM said, “It is a splendid summary of our vast culture in a few words. It contains the spirit Uttarakhand personifies while representing our local languages”. He stressed on preparing a shorter draft of the song so that the song could be sung at formal programmes. However, he added that the basic spirit of the song should not be diluted.
Those who turned up at Parade Ground enjoyed folk artistes performing dance and music from Almora, Jaunsari, Dharchula, Tehri and some other places. To add to the festive spirit, CM beat drums himself while dances from Jaunsari and Dharchula were being staged. Home Minister Pritam Singh and Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli also encouraged the performers.
Freedom fighters, public representatives, government officers and some eminent guests aside from the common people of the state were present in a good number at the programme. They started thronging the ground since early morning. CM reached the ground at 9.55 am and unfurled the tri-colour at 10.00 am.
Meanwhile, Independence Day was celebrated across the State peacefully. Politicians, government officers and heads of private institutions hoisted national flags in the morning.
State DGP MA Ganapathy hoisted the national flag at PHQ and awarded some police officers for their commendable service. In a programme held at the Collectorate, DM Ravinath Raman hoisted the flag and appealed to the government officers to work with honesty, determined for the welfare of the people of the state. At district information office, Dehradun information officer Archana hoisted the flag in the presence of the staff members.
Security arrangements were made in and around the Parade Ground area, the venue of the main function, as well as across the State to ensure peaceful celebration of the day.