The Phansi Tongri at Pahari Mandir of the British era, which used to be the execution site of freedom fighters in the pre-Independence period, on Saturday witnessed a historic event as country's largest and tallest national flag was hoisted by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. The flag weighing 60 kg was unfurled atop Pahari Mandir at a height of 493 feet from the ground having dimensions of 66 feet by 99 feet.
Parrikar, along with Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Governor Droupadi Murmu, reached Pahari Mandir at 10.30 am and hoisted the flag. The flag was sent up with the help of a motorised mechanism amid presence of school students and other people.
Addressing a huge gathering of school students later at at Morhabadi ground, Parrikar said there was a need to use more and more intellect in the light of increasing trends of cyber attack across the world.
"looking at the cyber attacks taking place around the world, there is an urgent need to use brain power than the power of courage and might. Use of mind has become more important in this age of cyber attack," said Parrikar. He wished that Jharkhand could do extremely well on this front through RSU for which the Centre was ready to provide any sorts of support, added the Minister.
Parrikar expressing his gratitude towards Chief Minister Raghubar Das for giving him a chance to unfurl the tallest and largest flag added that he could see the enthusiasm and energy of Republic day two days in advance among the people of Jharkhand.
"I feel elated to unfurl the tallest, biggest and most beautiful tricolour on the occasion of 119th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. I can see the enthusiasm and energy of January 26 on January 23 itself among the people of this State," Parrikar said.
According to Parrikar, Jharkhand is to see more changes in the days to come after RSU starts functioning completely in the next two years.
The Defence Minister also assured that since there was a Modi Government at the Centre, Jharkhand is to get more from the Centre for development. "Jharkhand has contributed a lot for the development of the country; now Jharkhand should also get something from us," said Parrikar.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Raghubar Das said that people of Jharkhand should pledge on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose to make this State more prosperous and self-sustained. Thanking Parrikar for laying the foundation stone of RSU, Das assured that the State Government will start running the university from this July only from any rented building.
"The RSU will start functioning from this July from any rented building so that youths from this State could be sent to the Army making them self-dependent," said the CM.
A cultural programme was also organised to mark the occasion where dance and songs were performed by the children of various schools in Ranchi. A joint band show by Army and the State police was also presented before the Defence Minister while a dog fight of aero-models presented by the air wing of NCC was the centre of attraction for the children.