Govt To Celebrate 70th Year of Independence Day For 15 Days (9 - 23Aug)

-Aazadi 70 Yaad Karo Qurbani (9th August to 23rd August, 2016)

-Central Ministers will visit 150 identified places across the country

- Jallianwala Bagh, Chauri Chaura, Cellular Jail, Sabarmati Ashram, Dandi etc

- women ministers will tie rakhi to soldiers on Raksha Bandhan Day i.e., 18th August

-Promoting khadi

- senior citizens born in the year 1947 be invited with their grandchildren and a ‘grandparent – grandson/daughter run’

-Marking Quit India Day (9th August) Hyderabad Liberation Day (17th September), Goa Liberation Day (19th December)

To infuse patriotic fervor amongst youth and children as well as to integrate the celebration/joy of independence with the spirit of a vibrant and young India, the government proposed to organize a 15 Day event commencing from 9th August to 23rd August, 2016 based on the theme “Aazadi 70 Yaad Karo Qurbani”. 

In this two week long ‘Aazadi 70 Yaad Karo Qurbani’ celebrations, the organisers will showcase the plurality and diversity of India through various modes and platforms incorporating the voices and sentiments of the people. 

Speaking at a press conference on the ‘70 Years of Independence’, Shri. Venkaiah Naidu, Minister for Information & Broadcasting and Urban Development and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister said the central ministers and important leaders would visit birth places of national icons and places of historical importance related to India’s independence movement such as Jallianwala Bagh, Chauri Chaura, Cellular Jail, Sabarmati Ashram, Dandi etc. 

Under this unique programme, at least two central ministers will visit the 150 identified places across the country.

In addition, women ministers would be visiting border areas and tie Rakhi to soldiers on Raksha Bandhan Day i.e., 18th August. Kith and kin of martyrs, freedom fighters, INA heroes and ex-soldiers who had been conferred with gallantry/bravery awards shall also be felicitated.

The minister also added that “important historic events like Quit India Day (9th August) Hyderabad Liberation Day (17th September), Goa Liberation Day (19th December) would be revisited during the celebrations.”

Shri Naidu also mentioned that the vast array of activities which would be undertaken in an attempt to capture the festive spirit of the occasion. 

During this 15 day long celebratory campaign, all important monuments in the country will be illuminated in tricolor and use of khadi will be promoted in a big way. 

In order to enhance the outreach, the colors of Independence would be used for organizing Independence Day melas and exhibitions where local artisans would display their products from the handloom and the khadi sector. 

The central minister also stated that the participation of sport icons and celebrities was being solicited to capture the popular sentiment of the country. As part of the campaign, cultural programmes depicting life histories of icons and stories of freedom struggle would be organized all over the country.

Shri Naidu also mentioned that during the visit by Cabinet Ministers across the country, the major pro-poor initiatives in the last two years of the Government would also be highlighted and the opportunities being created for the youth would be disseminated amongst the people.

The minister also highlighted specific initiatives proposed to be taken up by certain ministries during the course of the two week period.  

The ministry of textiles would launch the ‘Colors of Independence’ and from Quit India to Make in India campaign.  

The ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would be organizing a candle light Freedom March involving the Nehru Yuva Kendras at all major centres on the eve of Independence Day. 

Shri Naidu mentioned that in order to invite the participation of State Governments, in municipal headquarters and in rural areas, senior citizens who were born in the year 1947 be invited with their grandchildren and a ‘grandparent – grandson/daughter run’ be organized.

Regarding the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Naidu said special programming would be mounted by AIR and DD based on patriotic songs, video and audio clips of National Icons. Social Media would be used extensively to promote the spirit of participation and position interactive campaigns.