SHILLONG, Aug 5: What was initially announced as a campaign to commemorate the 75th Independence Day has now metamorphosed into more of a people’s movement — yes, this is the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign that is being discussed here.
Meghalaya, along with other states and union territories, has started preparations for D-Day, which is August 13, and is waiting impatiently to see the Tricolour fly at every household.
The objective of the campaign, as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, is to not only encourage people to hoist the Tricolour in their respective households from August 13 to 15, but to also invoke a feeling of patriotism in the hearts of people and to promote awareness about the Indian National Flag.
In Meghalaya, women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) from all twelve districts are leading the way in the unprecedented campaign by ardently stitching the Tricolours.
And that is their way of extending support to the campaign.
Now, the state government, just like other states and union territories, is also conducting the campaign under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
Shillongites have not only given the thumbs up to the Centre’s initiative of Har Ghar Tiranga campaign but are also excited to hoist the Tricolour in their respective households.
Senior politician Ampareen Lyngdoh said that the Centre’s initiative is a brilliant idea to involve people and celebrate the 75th Independence Day in a befitting manner.
“Citizens, for the first time, are being permitted to hoist our National Flag in their homes between August 13 and 15. I’m informed that events involving people from all walks of life will be organised at various locations — connected with the freedom struggle. This will allow the new generation to discover the many threads of our freedom struggle, while older generations and communities reconnect to the events that led to a free India,” Lyngdoh said.
Guest lecturer, Political Science department of St. Anthony’s College, Vishaka Joshi, feels that Har Ghar Tiranga campaign is an initiative that promotes nationalism positively.
“It is an honour that Indians from all walks of life have been given the opportunity to hoist the Tricolour individually at their respective homes. I’m overwhelmed by the thought of how each household would look like with the Tricolour flying,” Joshi, who is also a lecturer at Gorkha Secondary School, Laimer, said.
She, however, accentuated the need to raise awareness among people about the fundamentals of handling and hoisting the Tricolour.
“I’m afraid many do not know how to even fold the Tiranga correctly, let alone the knowledge of Flag Code of India. The other day while I was purchasing a Tricolour for my house, I was disappointed to see how carelessly it was folded and given to me by the shopkeeper. I had to then guide him on how to fold the Tricolour, which he, much to my content, acknowledged,” Joshi said.
“Since Independence Day is at least a week away, awareness should be disseminated by all concerned on the Flag Code of India so that the campaign becomes a success without the protocols being jeopardised,” she concluded.
High Court Advocate Shankar Pandey, on the other hand, said, “The campaign will surely invoke and foster a sense of patriotism in the mind of every Indian, irrespective of the geographical situations.”
Women’s College Administrator Moushumi Dey said that the campaign is a noble and a colourful way to uphold the unity of country.
“I don’t think it has anything to do with forced patriotism which some people see this initiative to be. In any case the government has not forced it upon each one of us,” she said, while adding that it is a voluntary way to show respect, love, joy and brotherhood as citizens of the country.
State Head GVK EMRI 108 EMS Meghalaya, Dipankar Choudhury, feels that the flag is not just a vision for the future but also reflects the values of the rich and illustrious past of India.
He said that flags have been a part of the Indian tradition, symbolising glory and dharma, since time immemorial.
“Since Independence, our relationship with the flag had been more formal and institutional rather than personal and Har Ghar Tiranga initiative aims to encourage people to bring our flag into our homes and hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s Independence,” he said.
Former Cabinet Minister AL Hek also said that the people should feel proud about Tiranga and jointly partake in the campaign.
RJ Nicky J from 91.1 Mirchi Shillong, while sharing his ideas about the initiative, said he is proud of the initiative by the Government of India.
“A befitting way to celebrate 75 years of India’s Independence. We should all come together to hoist our Tricolour at our homes with pride not only as an act of personal connection to the Tiranga but also an embodiment of our commitment to nation-building. Jai Hind,” an enthusiastic RJ Nicky J said.
