A prototype of the largest Indian National Flag has arrived in the city here and has already begun grabbing eyeballs in the city. About 700 enthusiasts reached Mohrabadi Ground on Friday braving the winter morning chill at 7.30 am just to catch a glimpse of the 98 ft X 66 ft tricolor.
People at the gathering felt proud by just being able to touch and lift the largest National Flag model. The event was attended mostly by school and college children along with Pahari Mandir Samiti members and others.
“It is a proud moment for all of us and I cannot wait to see it be unfurled atop the hill,” said Neeraj Sahu, student of a city-based school from Mohrabadi at the event on Friday.
Pahari Mandir, which was once known as Phansi Tongri is gearing up to host the honour of hoisting the flag atop the hill by early next year. “The temple holds a significant role in the freedom movement of the country that most people are not aware of. Phansi Tongri was used as the place to hang freedom fighters by the British and thus, the name. It is also the only temple in the country to continue with the tradition of hoisting the National Flag since the intervening night of August 14 and 15, 1947 till date. The tricolor here will only add to its beauty and the youth will also know about its historical significance,” said Sanjeev Vijawargiya, Deputy Mayor, RMC.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Mayor said that the flag will be displayed at every school and important chowks in the city till the time it is hoisted. “The city will be made aware of the historical relevance of the largest National Flag being ushered in our city and be proud of being a part of this moment. The tricolor should be hoisted atop the hill temple by January 15 tentatively as the pole installation work is almost in its final stage,” added Vijaywargia.
Moreover, the Pahari Mandir Vikas Samiti had decided to hoist the 81-metre tall tricolor here atop the hill that overlooks Bada Talab here as part of the Pahari Mandir conservation plan. The renovation plan of the main temple includes the installation of an automated lift and solar-powered gadgets along with the construction of the steel and iron pole for the tricolor.
According to the renovation plan, the entire temple complex will be divided into three tiers as tier I will comprise of rooms, a hall, store rooms for the Pandits and other administration staff whereas the tier II will play host to the revamped version of the existing idols and temples. The tier III will be the main temple.