JAMMU, AUGUST 15 (KNS): In a vibrant display of national pride, Government departments and various Educational institutions across Jammu division celebrated the 78th Independence Day with enthusiasm and patriotic fervor. The day was marked by spirited ceremonies, including the ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag.

District Court Complex Doda: To commemorate 78 years of independence of India and mark the celebration of Independence Day, District court complex Doda celebrated 78th Independence Day.

Chief Judicial Magistrate Doda, Yahaya Firdous Ahanger hoisted the National Flag. The court premises were decorated with the national flag and other patriotic symbols. The judges, lawyers, court staff, and other attendees gathered for a flag hosting ceremony and the national flag was raised with respect and the national anthem was sung.

Speaking on this special occasion, the CJM emphasised the significance of Independence Day and the importance of upholding the values of freedom, justice, and equality.

The celebrations also included a parade by the security personnel, showcasing their discipline and dedication to serving the nation. The event served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and the responsibility of every citizen to contribute towards the progress and unity of the Nation.

District Court Complex Kathua: Independence Day was celebrated in District Court Complex (Head Quarter) Kathua today with full zeal & enthusiasm.

The event commenced with the hoisting of National Flag by Principal District & Sessions Judge Kathua (also Worthy Chairman District Legal Services Authority Kathua) Ashok Kumar Shavan, which was followed by reciting of the National Anthem by the gathering.

Beside this, a cultural program was organized by District Legal Services Authority Kathua in collaboration with Department of Education, Palash and Prasha Kathua.

At the end of the program, participants were felicitated with prizes by Chairman District Legal Services Authority Kathua.

This program was attended by Mr. Surinder Kumar Thapa, Special Mobile Magistrate Kathua, Ms. Cheena Sumbria, Munsiff JMIC Kathua and Ms. Neena Thakur, District Mobile Magistrate Kathua, Prosecuting Officers of District Court Complex Kathua, President, Senior and Young members of the Bar Association Kathua, Staff Members of both District Court Kathua & District Legal Services Authority Kathua, Police personnel & Para Legal Volunteers of District Legal Services Authority Kathua. Light refreshment was served to the participants.

District Court Complex, Ramban: In compliance with the directions of the High Court of UT of J&K and Ladakh and the J&K Legal Services Authority, the 78th Independence Day was celebrated with full zeal and enthusiasm at the District Court Complex Ramban.

The event began with the hoisting of the National Flag by R.S. Jasrotia, Chairman, District Legal Services Authority (Principal District & Sessions Judge), followed by the recitation of the National Anthem.

In his address, the Worthy Principal District & Sessions Judge extended greetings and best wishes to everyone present, emphasizing the importance of this day. He also urged Judicial Officers, Prosecuting Officers, Advocates, Police personnel, and staff from both the District Court Ramban and District Legal Services Authority, as well as students from BVM High School Ramban, to work diligently in their respective fields.

The celebration was further graced by the presence of Sh. B.A. Munshi, Worthy Chief Judicial Magistrate Ramban, Ms. Shilpa Dogra, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Ramban, and Siddhant Vaid, Munsiff, JMIC Ramban. Officers from the Prosecuting Wing, the President and members of the Bar Association Ramban, Police personnel, staff members, and Para Legal Volunteers of the District Legal Services Authority Ramban were also in attendance.

In his special address, B.A. Munshi highlighted the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and the resilience of every Indian who has contributed to shaping the nation. S.S. Parihar, President of the District Bar Association Ramban, spoke on the theme for this year's Independence Day, "Viksit Bharat," symbolizing the vision of a developed India by 2047.

A felicitation ceremony honored police personnel and acknowledged the outstanding performance of students during the event. Gifts and refreshments were distributed to the participants.

District Court Complex Samba: 78th Independence Day was celebrated in District Court Complex (Head Quarter)Samba with full Zeal & enthusiasm.

The event commenced with hoisting of the National flag by Adnan Sayeed, Principal District & Sessions Judge Samba (also Chairman District Legal Services Authority Samba) which was followed by reciting of the National Anthem by the gathering.

In his Presidential address, Worthy Pr. Distt.& Sessions Judge Samba extended his greetings and best wishes to the gathering on the eve of 78th Independence Day and also gave a brief description about the importance of this Day as well as the brief history of District Samba. In his address he also shared with the gathering the data in figures with respect to the institution of cases(7045) and disposal of the cases (6941)from last 15 th of August 2023 to this Independence Day and assured the litigants present there that District Judiciary Samba will continue to serve the people of District Samba in future also.

This program had witnessed the presence of Preet Simran K. Grover, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Samba, Rekha Kapoor Nischal, Secretary District Legal Services Authority Samba, Ananta Raina, Addl. Spl. Mobile Magistrate Samba, Urvashi Raina, Addl Munsiff Samba, Himani Parihar Munsiff Samba, Trainee Judges, officers from the Prosecuting Wing, Samba, President, Senior and Young members of the Bar Association Samba, Police Personnels, Staff Members of both District Court Samba& District Legal Services Authority Samba, Faculty Members and students of Govt. High School Nanak Chak Samba, Guru Global Playway School, Samba, Govt. Middle School Arazi Samba, Bhargava Public School Samba, Palash Home for boys, Nandpur Samba and Gujjar and Bakarwal Hostel for boys, Samba & Para Legal Volunteers of District Legal Services Authority Samba. During the Program a felicitation ceremony was also organized to acknowledge the services of the police personnel and excellent performance of the students rendered by them during the program wherein Certificates of Appreciation and sweets were distributed to them.

Karan Singh, Rtd. Colonel and President People’s Forum for Human Values(NGO), Neemesha Rajput, Chairperson Child Welfare Committee Samba Priyanka Gupta, Legal cum probation officer (District Child Protection Unit ) Samba, Ghulam Qadir Jan and Sandeep Kotwal, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd. SIDCO, Industrial complex, Bari Brahmana, Samba(J&K), Ramnik Bali, Dogra Law College Bari Brahmana, Samba, Harshit, Mahindra Astro India Automobiles were also present in the programme as special guest who were felicitated by Worthy Chairman District Legal Services Authority Samba with certificates of Commendation for their contribution to the office of DLSA Samba in organizing different awareness programme at different places in District Samba during the year 2023-2024 besides Legal Aid Counsels, Officers of LADCs Samba and PLVs of DLSA Samba. The female staff of District Court Complex were also presented Saplings as a token of their Contribution tin the effective working of the different Courts of District Samba The program was organised by District Legal Services Authority Samba in collaboration with Emcure Pharmaceutical Ltd Bari Brahmana Samba.

Itee Sharma, Panel Advocate, DLSA Samba presented a formal vote of thanks whereas Hitesh Sharma and Tania Pargal Panel Advocates DLSA Samba conducted the proceedings of this event. The overall proceedings of the program got coordinated by Secretary District Legal Services Authority Samba. A light refreshment was also distributed to the gathering in the program.

District Jail Jammu: The District Jail Jammu celebrates 78th Independence Day in presence of Jail Staff, CRPF Personnel D-Coy, 246 Bn and Jail Inmates. Celebration started by hoisting of the National Flag by Superintendent Jail, Harish Kotwal followed by singing of the National Anthem.

Superintendent Jail addressed the gathering and pledge taken by all the participants that they will contribute in nation building religiously. The programme was also witnessed by the Jail Staff, CRPF, Medical Staff and Ministerial Staff.

A captivating cultural programme on the theme Independence Day was presented by the Jail inmates and Jail staff.

Directorate of Health Services Jammu: Independence Day was celebrated in Directorate of Health Services Jammu with great patriotic fervour.

To commemorate the joyous occasion of this 78th Independence Day, officers and officials of the Directorate gathered in the premises of the Directorate.

Director Health Services Jammu Dr. Rakesh Magotra hoisted the National Flag that was followed by singing of National Anthem by all present on the occasion.

DHS Jammu congratulated everyone and recalled the historic courage and efforts of freedom fighters, DHS paid a tribute to them.

Building of Directorate of Health Services Jammu and Health Institutions of all districts of Jammu Division were illuminated on the eve of Independence Day as a part of celebration on the occasion.

Flag hoisting ceremonies were also held in the Health Facilities and offices across Jammu division.

GMC Doda: Government Medical College (GMC) Doda marked the 78th Independence Day with a grand celebration in its campus.

The event was graced by the presence of Principal Dr. Rakesh Bahl, Medical Superintendent Dr. Tanveer Rather, Heads of Departments, faculty members, residents, administrative officers, and other staff members. The ceremony began with the hoisting of the tricolor by Dr. Rakesh Bahl at the campus playground, followed by the national anthem and spirited cultural activities, filling the atmosphere with patriotic fervor.

In his address, Dr. Bahl expressed his happiness in being part of this growing institution, highlighting the extraordinary achievements of its students in academics, co-curricular activities, sports, and social initiatives like Swachhta Abhiyan and plantation drives. He emphasized the importance of diversity in culture, language, and beliefs in nurturing institutions that provide excellence and compassion, particularly in peripheral areas. Dr. Bahl reminded everyone that healthcare is not a privilege but a right for all, and that the institution is committed to being custodians of health and hope for every community.

To commemorate this occasion, the college also organized a plantation drive under the campaign "Ek Ped Shaheedon ke Naam." The event concluded with the felicitation of meritorious MBBS students, including two first-year girl students who topped the university examination and several others who earned distinctions in various subjects. Dr. Bahl congratulated the students and attributed their success to the dedicated efforts of their teachers, despite the challenges of limited faculty numbers.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Similar Independence Day celebrations were held at the Associated Hospital Doda, under the guidance of Dr. Tanveer Rather, as well as at the Government Nursing College, GMC Doda, and in the field practice areas at UHTC Ghat and RHTC Bhalla, organized by the Department of Community Medicine at GMC Doda.

Department of Agriculture Jammu: The Department of Agriculture Jammu marked the 78th Independence Day celebration with zeal and patriotic fervor at Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, Jammu.

The event witnessed an inspiring celebration as S. Arvinder Singh Reen, Director of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Jammu, hoisted the National Flag.

This year’s Independence Day celebration was marked by the theme "Viksit Bharat," underscoring the government's vision to transform India into a developed nation by 2047. Additionally, the "Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign" was prominently featured to encourage citizens to bring the Tiranga into their homes and hoist it, fostering a sense of patriotism and increasing awareness about the Indian National Flag.

The event was attended by a large gathering of officers and employees from the Agriculture Department, who came together to honor the significance of the day.

In his address, Director A.S. Reen emphasized the importance of consolidating the gains of freedom through sincere and dedicated efforts. He expressed pride in the department’s accomplishments and highlighted how hard work and teamwork have significantly enhanced field-level agricultural activities, which are vital to the Indian economy.

Director agriculture also facilitated the officers and officials for their exemplary work on the occasion. The program was attended by Satish Sharma, Joint Director Agriculture (Extension), along with other sectoral heads and staff from the Directorate of Agriculture Jammu.

District Health Society Doda: The District Health Society (DHS) Doda celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic zeal.

The celebration took place at the Chief Medical Officer's (CMO) Office, where CMO Dr. Om Kumar hoisted the tricolor. The event began with a soulful rendition of the National Anthem and an impressive parade by the students of ANMT School Doda, which set the tone for the day's festivities.

Addressing the gathering, CMO Dr. Om Kumar extended heartfelt greetings to all the staff on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day.

In his speech, he emphasized the significance of the day, reflecting on the sacrifices and relentless struggle that led to India's freedom. Dr. Kumar also highlighted the role of healthcare professionals in upholding the spirit of service and dedication, especially in challenging times.

The celebration featured a vibrant cultural program by the students of ANMT School Doda, showcasing the rich cultural diversity of India and paying tribute to the freedom fighters. The performances captivated the audience and were met with resounding applause. In recognition of their exemplary services, several health staff members from different blocks were felicitated with Appreciation Certificates. Participation Certificates were also distributed to the ANMT students for their active involvement in the event.

Similar Independence Day celebrations were held across various block headquarters, including Assar, Bhaderwah, Gandoh, Ghat, and Thathri, where Block Medical Officers hoisted the National Flag. These events, marked by patriotic fervor, brought together the health department staff and the local community in a unified celebration of India's independence.

JKEDI BARI BRAHMANA: Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) marked the 78th Independence Day celebration with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit, here at Baribrahmana.

The celebration was attended by staff, students, and some dignitaries from the area, who gathered to honor the nation's rich history and reflect on its journey of progress.

Director Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI, Rajinder Sharma presided over the function. The event began with the hoisting of the national flag by the Director JKEDI, followed by the singing of the national anthem.

In his address, Director JKEDI highlighted the importance of self-reliance and entrepreneurship in building a strong and prosperous nation. He emphasized the role of JKEDI in fostering innovation and supporting young entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir, aligning with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

On the occasion, 400 intern students of different colleges under Cluster University of Jammu were felicitated by issuance of certificates regarding successful completion of 10-days internship program.

Meanwhile, in Kashmir division the JKEDI employees attended the Independence Day main function at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar while most of the staff placed in District Nodal Offices participated in the August 15 celebration functions in their respective districts.

Horticulture Department Jammu: Director Horticulture Jammu Ram Savak today hoisted Tricolor at the Horticulture complex, Gole Pully, Talab Tillo Jammu to mark the celebration of 78th Independence Day in the presence of Joint Director Horticulture Jammu C. L. Sharma, Deputy Director, Horticulture (central) and other officers and officials of the department.

Speaking on the occasion, the Director Horticulture said that the country has completed 78 years of Independence and it has been celebrated with a campaign of "Har Ghar Tiranga" to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and hoist it. The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of people and to promote awareness about the Indian National Flag. He also encouraged the horticulture fraternity to work with zeal and enthusiasm for the welfare of the farming community.

Sheep Husbandry Department, Jammu: Sheep Husbandry Department, Jammu celebrated the 78th Independence Day with patriotic fervor and zeal. Director Sheep Husbandry Department Jammu Dr. Syed Moin UL-Haq hoisted the national flag in the office premises in presence of all officers and officials of the Department followed by singing of National anthem by all the officers and officials.

Govt. Polytechnic for Women, Jammu: Govt. Polytechnic for Women, Jammu celebrated 78th Independence Day with great joy, fervor and enthusiasm in the Institution. The celebration commenced by hoisting of the National Flag by Er. Suket Gupta, Principal of the Institution followed by singing the National Anthem.

Er. Suket Gupta, Principal while speaking on this occasion threw light on the significance of this great day and also highlighted the supreme sacrifices of our martyrs and freedom fighters who gave up their lives for the sake of our freedom.

Students of various trades and Departments performed cultural activities, cultural dance and other patriotic activities on the occasion. Sweets were distributed among the staff and students of the Institution.

Government Dy. SP Aman Thakur Memorial Degree College: Government Dy. SP Aman Thakur Memorial Degree College, Kastigarh Doda celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor on the college grounds. The event began with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by the Principal, Prof. Koshal Kumar Mangotra. The students and faculty sang the National Anthem, creating a strong sense of unity and national pride.

Prof. Mangotra emphasized the crucial role of education and perseverance in building a prosperous nation. He highlighted the importance of students as future leaders and the vital contribution of education in shaping a brighter tomorrow. The students and staff of the college actively participated in the Independence Day celebrations, making it a memorable event.

GDC Katra: Government Degree College Katra today celebrated the 78th Independence Day with great patriotic fervor, zeal and enthusiasm. The program was started with hoisting of the National Flag by Principal GDC Katra Prof. (Dr), Rajni Bhagat in presence of faculty members and students followed by National Anthem under the supervision and guidance Prof. Mohd. Younus Sleem.

Principal of the college congratulated the staff members and students to mark the 78th year of Independence. She said that the sacrifices of the freedom fighters should be remembered by all.

The cultural programs including the patriotic songs, dances and speeches were also presented on the occasion. The program concluded with singing of National Anthem.

GCW, Gandhi Nagar, celebrated 78th Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. The celebrations commenced in the college auditorium lawn, wherein the Tricolour was proudly hoisted by Dr. S. P. Saraswat, the Principal of the college in the presence of staff members and students.

The ceremony began with the hoisting of the National Flag, followed by the National Anthem, which resonated across the lawns, filling everyone with a sense of pride and nationalism. In his address, Dr. S. P. Saraswat spoke about the significance of Independence Day, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters to secure the liberty we enjoy today. He emphasised the role of education in preserving the hard-earned freedom and the importance of the youth in nation-building.

The event witnessed active participation from the students, who presented a cultural program that included patriotic songs and dance.

GDC Kishtwar: Government Degree College Kishtwar celebrated the 78th Independence Day with great patriotic fervor by hoisting the National Flag and organizing a cultural program on the college premises.

The event began with the hoisting of the National Flag by the college Principal, Prof. Basharat Iqbal, in the presence of faculty members, NSS volunteers, NCC cadets, and students. This was followed by the singing of the national anthem and a flag march by both faculty members and students.

In continuation of various programmes held under the banner of Independence Day Celebration, a vibrant cultural program was also organised by Independence Day Committee under the abled guidance of Principal Prof. Basharat Iqbal and the supervision of Dr.Yasar Ahmed (Nodal Officer) in which around 300 students enthusiastically participated. They performed patriotic songs, solo, and group folk dances, highlighting the rich heritage, values, and traditions of the nation.

The whole event was conducted by Sonika Devi student of semester 5th.

In his speech, Principal Prof. Basharat Iqbal appreciated the committee for all the events organised under the banner of Independence Day celebration and encouraged the students to strengthen national unity and strive to elevate the country by following the ideals set by the freedom fighters. Prof. Prithvi Raj also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the significance of the tricolor, unity, nationalism, and the principles laid down by the freedom fighters.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Sonika Devi to all the participants and an award ceremony, where winners and participants of various intra- and inter-college competitions were honored with certificates by the Principal and faculty members.(KNS)