Ahead of the 75th Independence day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday appealed to people to strengthen the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' movement by hoisting or displaying the national flag in their homes between August 13-15. The ‘Tiranga campaign’ aims at hoisting national flags in about 20 crore houses across India. In a series of tweets, Modi said this movement will deepen our connect with the Tricolour and noted that it was on July 22 in 1947 that the Tricolour was adopted.
"Today, we recall the monumental courage and efforts of all those who dreamt of a flag for free India when we were fighting colonial rule. We reiterate our commitment to fulfil their vision and build the India of their dreams," he said.
He said, "This year, when we are marking ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, let us strengthen the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ movement. Hoist the Tricolour or display it in your homes between 13th and 15th August. This movement will deepen our connect with the national flag." Modi also posted details of official communications leading to the adoption of the Tricolour as the national flag. He also posted a picture of the first Tricolour unfurled by India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.The Government has envisioned the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' exercise in the run up to the 75th anniversary of India's independence.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed to people to join the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' movement. “With this campaign, the Tricolour will be hoisted on about 20 crore houses across the country, which will work to further brighten the unbroken flame of patriotism in the minds of every citizen, especially the youth," he said.
“I appeal to everyone to join this campaign,” he said, with the hashtag #HarGharTiranga.
“With this”, the Home Minister said, people will be able to increase the respect and attachment for the tricolour among the younger generation and tell them about the sacrifice of the heroes who fought for freedom.
Shah said the national flag not only unites every citizen but also strengthens the spirit of devotion towards the nation among people. It was on July 22 in 1947 that the national flag was adopted.
Hours after the Prime Minister's appeal, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the RSS "did not hoist the Tricolour at its headquarters for 52 years" and people coming from that organisation are now talking about the tricolour's history and planning 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.
"These people steeped in propaganda should just answer a few questions -- Why did RSS not hoist the tricolour at its headquarters for 52 years? Why is the livelihood of those who make the national flag out of khadi being destroyed? Why was the import of machine-made, polyester flags allowed from China?" the former Congress chief said in his Facebook post.