J-K: LG Manoj Sinha flags off Tiranga Rally in Srinagar; Dy CM emphasizes "countless sacrifices" for national flag
Srinagar, August 12
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday flagged off a massive 'Tiranga Rally' from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar, marking the lead-up to the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
Speaking to ANI on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary emphasised that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have a long history of devotion to the national flag that predates recent political changes.
"This Tricolour has not just started flying recently; it has been waving in the sky continuously since Independence--from August 15, 1947, to the present day. That is the beauty of India: people here have always made sacrifices for this Tricolour," Choudhary said.
He urged observers not to view the region's patriotism solely through the lens of the abrogation of Article 370.
"The fact is, the celebration was observed with the same spirit before August 5, 2019, and it continues to be celebrated with that same spirit today. Jammu and Kashmir has made sacrifices for this country, so do not measure it solely against the events of August 5, 2019. Whether on the border, within the Kashmir Valley, or in Jammu--people have made countless sacrifices to keep this Tricolour flying high," the Deputy CM added.
Hailing the rally, Darakhshan Andrabi, Chairperson of the J&K Waqf Board, described the current atmosphere as a transition toward a more prosperous future.
"Look, these Tiranga rallies that have recently started across the country under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, and in J&K after August 5, 2019--this is a step that is taking us from a dark era towards a bright era. While the pride of this Tricolour is always there, today, among every citizen of J&K--among the children and the elderly--you will see that this flag is not just flying on buildings; it is fluttering in the eyes and hearts of the youth of Kashmir," Andrabi told ANI.
Highlighting the visible change in the valley's social fabric, she remarked that such displays of national pride were rare in previous decades.
"What we are cherishing today had been lost somewhere in Kashmir for the last thirty-five years. The sight we see today--the Tricolour in the hands of these children--this never used to happen. Today, there is joy and a sentiment in everyone's heart to walk with the nation and to walk together," she noted.
The rally, which wound through the streets of Srinagar, is part of the nationwide 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign aimed at encouraging citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes to mark the landmark 80th year of India's independence.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign encourages citizens to hoist the National Flag at their homes and develop a personal connection with the Tricolour. The campaign also seeks to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and strengthen the spirit of patriotism among citizens.
This year's celebrations will have a special focus on the commemoration of 150 years of 'Vande Mataram'. Various activities will be organised across districts, blocks, and panchayats as part of the campaign.
The major components of Har Ghar Tiranga 2026 will include Tiranga rallies and processions, exhibitions, Tiranga concerts, bike and cycle rallies, Tricolour lighting of important locations, decorations, and Rangoli programmes. Special activities will also be organised under the theme 'Tiranga Salute to the Spirit of Vande Mataram', along with the popular "Selfie with Tiranga" initiative.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The energy at these Tiranga rallies is infectious! I remember when I visited Srinagar last year, even the shops and homes had flags up during Independence Day week. It's a positive change, and Darakhshan Andrabi is right—the sentiment among the youth is different now. Let's keep this spirit alive, not just on August 15 but every day. 🇮🇳
I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I do feel we should be cautious about framing everything post-2019 as 'dark to bright'. Many families in Kashmir have genuine grievances that can't be brushed aside with a slogan. Patriotism is fine, but it should coexist with addressing humanitarian concerns. Let's not simplify a complex history into a rally. Just my respectful opinion.
Well said by the Deputy CM! The people of J&K have always been patriotic—my grandfather served in the J&K Rifles and he always spoke about the pride of the Tricolour. These rallies are a great way to bring everyone together. The 80th Independence Day will be special, and 'Vande Mataram' at 150 years adds even more significance. 🇮🇳🚩
As someone who grew up in Delhi but studied in Jammu, I can say the atmosphere is definitely changing. The children leading these rallies is a hopeful sight—they're the future. But I also hope the administration ensures equal opportunity and development for all regions of J&K. That's the real way to honour the flag. Still, it was a beautiful event today! ✨
N Nikhil C < We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.