Udaipur, — Under the banner of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the 79th Independence Day was celebrated across the district on Friday with great zeal, joy, and ceremonial splendour. The main district-level event was held at Gandhi Ground, Udaipur, where the Chief Guest, Minister for Tribal Area Development and Home Guards, Mr. Babulal Kharadi, unfurled the National Flag and conveyed his greetings to all.
Following the flag hoisting, Minister Kharadi inspected the parade. Police, NCC cadets, and Scout-Guide contingents from various schools participated in the march past. Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Deependra Singh read out the Governor’s message.
The event was attended by MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat, District Council Chairperson Mrs. Mamta Panwar, MLA Tarachand Jain, former Mayor Govind Singh Tank, Divisional Commissioner Ms. Pragya Kewalramani, IG Gaurav Srivastava, District Collector Namit Mehta, SP Yogesh Goyal, UDA Commissioner Rahul Jain, Zila Parishad CEO Riya Dabi, Municipal Commissioner Abhishek Khanna, SDMs from various subdivisions, former MLAs, social workers, families of martyrs and freedom fighters, students, and a large gathering of citizens.
Parade Enthralls Spectators
The parade, directed by NCC Headquarters Udaipur’s lining officer and retired Army officer Prem Shankar Shrimali, along with Physical Instructor O.P. Yadav and Parade Commander RI Gulab Singh, emerged as the main highlight. Rajasthan Police, Home Guards, NSS units, and other contingents marched in perfect synchrony to the beats of the police and school bands, filling the air with patriotic energy.
Tribute to Martyrs and Freedom Fighters
During the ceremony, Minister Kharadi, along with senior officials, honoured the families of Udaipur’s martyrs, including Lt. Abhinav Nagori, Shaurya Chakra awardee Major Mustafa, Martyr Archit Vardiya, and Martyr Mohanlal Tejawat, as well as relatives of freedom fighters, by draping shawls and presenting mementos.
Mass Exercise & Cultural Show Add Colour
Students of the Higher Secondary School for the Deaf, guided by Shama Parveen, performed an impressive mass exercise display, joined by students of Central Academy. Dressed in traditional costumes of different Indian states, MMVM and MMPS students presented a unifying patriotic group dance depicting India’s “Unity in Diversity.” In a unique segment, the Central Jail’s inmate orchestra group performed patriotic songs, drawing much appreciation. The event concluded with the national anthem, performed by Residency School students.
Honours for Exemplary Service
At the main ceremony, district-level awards were presented to numerous officers, employees, educators, medical professionals, journalists, social workers, sportspersons, and cultural contributors for their outstanding service. These included officials from the police, fire, public health, education, forest, revenue, and media sectors, as well as achievers in boxing, swimming, archery, and yoga.
Similarly, at the sub-divisional level in Girwa, honours were given to teachers, legal professionals, engineers, NCC cadets, folk artists, health staff, and dedicated social service organisations.
The celebration at Gandhi Ground not only honoured the nation’s glorious freedom but also showcased Udaipur’s deep-rooted patriotism, community spirit, and rich cultural heritage.