GUWAHATI, Aug 16 - The 71st Independence Day was celebrated across the State with pomp and gaiety despite inclement weather at various places. Our Staff Correspondent/Correspondents and ANN Service report.
JORHAT: Agriculture and Veterinary Minister Atul Bora unfurled the Tricolour at the Jorhat Court Field on the occasion of 71st Independence Day function organised in the district headquarters along with rest of the country.
Bora, who was chief guest of the function, in his address, paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi and all other freedom fighters who fought against the British rule.
The minister while recollecting the contribution of Assamese freedom fighters said that in the 19th century, leaders like Gomdhar Konwar, Maniram Dewan, Piyali Baruah, Bahadur Gaonburah, Formud Ali participated in the revolt against British Raj and some among them attained martrydom while others were imprisoned.
Bora said that the State Government was following the policy of progress and development as per the concept of Saab ka sath saab ka vikas introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He also said the Government as per pre-poll promise was adopting a tough stand against corruption.
Earlier, the minister took salute from a march past carried out by contingents of Assam Police, Home Guards and cadets of NCC and Scouts.
A colourful cultural function was also organised on the occasion. Jorhat Lok Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, Teok MLA Renupoma Rajkhowa, Jorhat DC Virendra Mittal and Jorhat SP Prasanta Bhuyan were among those who attended the function.
SILCHAR: In a bid to add fillip to infrastructure development in Barak Valley, Minister of Commerce, Industries and Parliamentary Affairs Chandra Mohan Patowary said that the Government has decided to turn the valley, struggling with infrastructural bottlenecks into a logistic hub.
In his address to the people of Cachar district after hoisting the flag on the 71st Independence Day at the SM Dev stadium, Patowary said, �the Government will open a logistic hub here and the Cachar Deputy Commissioner has been asked to look for allocation of 400-500 bigha land for the purpose. We shall ask the companies to invest here and production output shall spread into various parts of the State.�
Further, the minister admitted that the Government is concerned over the status of the Cachar Paper Mill, the solitary industry in Barak Valley. �The Union Ministry of Heavy Industries is also concerned on this and we are hopeful of the revival of the mill soon,� Patowary maintained.
The Commerce Minister, in his speech said that there will be skill development centres in all the blocks and municipalities from October 15, this year and the ITIs here will also be strengthened so that youths become skilled for better opportunities.
GOALPARA: The 71st Independence Day was celebrated here at the Junior Technical School�s playground with enthusiasm and great patriotic fervour amidst traditional gaiety and in presence of a number of distinguished guests, officials and a large crowd who attended the function under tight security.
Unfurling the Tricolour and inspecting the guard of honour Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Dass in his speech underscored the significance of the day and recollected the sacrifices and struggles of the freedom movement.
Dass also highlighted various developmental schemes taken up in the district for the welfare of the common people and also said that the Government is working to fulfill the aspirations of all the people and with a resolve for peace, prosperity and development in the district.
He also urged the people to maintain the rich traditional legacy of the Goalpara district.
He also took salute of an impressive march past presented by a number of colourful contingents where Sainik School (B) and Holy Cross School were adjudged as the best contingents under uniform /non uniform categories. This was followed by a colourful function showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the district and on patriotic themes.
Several people were felicitated and awards were given away on the occasion amongst whom Taibur Rahman (High Madrassa), Dipika Rabha (HSLC) for exemplary results, R Momin of Rangsapara village for social work, Dr Shyamalendu Das (Health services), Abdul Mazid (BDO) from DRDA, Nishita Kashyab for her achievements at the State-level Taekwondo competition, eight senior citizens and a host of outstanding achievers besides sportspersons, best farmers, entrepreneurs, photographers etc.
TINSUKIA: Along with the rest of country, in flood-affected Tinsukia district, the 71st Independence Day was celebrated austerely.
On the occasion, the Tricolour was unfurled by the Deputy Commissioner, Oinam Sarankumar Singh at the ITI field here as chief guest of the function. He also inspected the marching contingents consisting of Police, NCC, school and college students and took the salutes of the march past.
In his address delivered on the occasion, the chief guest appealed to the people to cooperate with the administration in implementing the welfare projects of the Government. He also informed that the district administration with the cooperation of all the departments has successfully stood by the side of the victims of the recent flood and helped them with all the necessary relief materials and other requirements.
He further informed that the district administration was arranging the allotment of the plots of land for the proposed medical college near Tinsukia and Deendayal Upadhaya College near Doomdooma and the same would be completed at the earliest.
Earlier, the chief guest paid tributes to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi by garlanding his statue at the circuit house compound and paid homage to the martyrs at the parade ground. Cultural troupes of different organisations, educational institutes performed traditional and patriotic songs, dances etc., in the function.
At Digboi and Doomdooma, the Tricolour was unfurled by MLA Suren Phukan and SDO (Civil), Bikram Koiri respectively. In the meantime, employees and officers of the district administration observed State Mourning Day in memory of the Dhemaji blast victims of 2004 by observing silent prayer for eternal peace of the departed souls.
MANGALDAI: Darrang district along with the rest of the State observed the 71st Independence Day amidst tremendous enthusiasm and gaiety. The district administration in association with educational institutions and local public organisations celebrated Independence Day with a three-day long variety of socio, cultural, educational and sports programmes.
In the centrally-organised main function of the celebration here at the Kachari Maidan, Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kr Barman as the chief guest hoisted the Tricolour in presence of the Superintendent of Police, Darrang Sreejith Thiraviam, MLA, Mangaldai Gurujyoti Das, freedom fighters Madhab Ch Barua, Maheswar Bora and other distinguished guests.
The chief guest took the guard of honour and also the march past salute offered by the contingents of the Assam Police, NCC, Scouts & Guides and para military forces. The celebration also witnessed colourful cultural presentation and felicitation to several people for their outstanding contribution in their respective fields including, eminent playwright, lyricist and dramatist Hemanta Dutta, veteran social activist Abul Hussain, veteran yoga performer Danda Pratap Sharma and scribe of The Assam Tribune Mayukh Goswami among others.
NALBARI: The 71 th Independence Day was celebrated at Nalbari SP office playground with great enthusiasm.
The national Tricolour was hoisted by the Deputy Commissioner of Nalbari Ananta Lal Gyani in the central Independence Day function. Thousands of people gathered at the programme organised by the Nalbari district administration.
The Deputy Commissioner also inspected the guard of honour presented by the security personnel and the students of local schools and colleges. The district administration also felicitated freedom fighters, progressive farmers, meritorious students of the district. Hoisting the Tricolour, the Deputy Commissioner recalled the contribution of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He said that the State Government has been taking a numbers of welfare schemes for the uplift of the downtrodden section. He added that detailed reports on the old-age pension, MGNREGA, Public Distribution System, PMGSY among others will be prepared soon. A cultural programme was also held to mark the occasion.
Indepedence Day was also celebrated all over the district. In flood-affected Barkshetri revenue circle, the day was celebrated despite waist to chest deep flood waters.
KOKRAJHAR: The Independence Day was observed here with a daylong colourful programme.
The chief of BTC Hagrama Mohilary unfurled the Tricolour at Govt HS & MP School playground amidst the huge gathering.
Addressing the gathering, Mohilary appealed to all to remain united for the greater cause of peace and development of this region. At the same time he said that several schemes of State and Central Government are in the right progress in BTC.
He also dwelt at length about various developmental schemes taken by BTC Government.
Earlier, the chief of BTC took the guard of honour and distributed rewards and citations of honour to the beneficiaries and those for outstanding performances in various fields.
NTPC Salakati also celebrated I-Day in a befitting manner in its premises with a daylong programme. Utpal Chakraborty, GGM unfurled the Tricolour and addressed the gathering.
To encourage education among girls, three bicycles were also distributed on the occasion to the girl students of Amguri of Kokrajhar.
TEZPUR: The day was celebrated centrally at Judges� field here with much pomp and gaiety. The Tricolour was unfurled by the Minister for Water Resources, Science and Technology, Keshab Mahanta. He spoke on the welfare work initiated by the government. Pointing out to the recent appointments in the Education Department he said that BJP-AGP and BPF coalition government has been able to work on a right track for development in all fronts of the State.
In his speech, he also mentioned about the fund of Rs 200 crore allotted for the development of Tezpur town and the welfare scheme introduced in the Health Department.
Prior to it he received the guard of honour presented by ITBP, Bihaguri, NCC, Tezpur College and Darrang College, (Boys and Girls), St Joseph Convent School, Don Bosco High School, Govt Boys and Girls, Bengali Boys and Girls and Bihaguri Higher Secondary School. A colourful cultural programme arranged by Jyoti Bharati that was presented in the event mesmerized the audience. Moreover, the presentation of pipe band by the Army and the Sacred Heart School here was a major attraction of the programme. The arms exhibition by the Army was also another attraction for the audience that thronged the celebration venue.
Besides other dignitaries, the event was graced by local MLA, Brindaban Goswami, DC, Sonitpur Manuj Kumar Deka.
Morigaon: The 71st Independence Day was observed here at Morigaon with enthusiasm. Pallav Lochan Das, Minister for Labour and Employment and Energy formally hoisted the National Flag at Tarun Ram Phukan playground.
Addressing the people, Minister Das said that BJP led State Government has taken up several pro people schemes which will uplift the socio-economical status in future. Earlier, he visited the historic Morigaon Gandhi Bhavan and paid respectful homage to the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and other martyrs who made supreme sacrifices for the freedom of the country. Cultural functions were also held on the occasion.
BAIHATA CHARIALI: The Kamrup (Rural) district administration also celebrated the Independence Day at Amingaon parade ground with a colourful programme. Vinod Seshan, Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup (R) district hoisted the Tricolour before the huge gathering.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner recalled the contributions of Kushal Konwar, Mukunda Kakati and other martyrs of the freedom movement of India and called upon the public to extend their active co-operation and involvement in every step of developmental work and to keep integrity, fraternity, harmony and good understanding among different ethnic groups to make the country strong, prosperous and violence free. The Deputy Commissioner also said that the government will give assistance to the flood-affected people and mentioned the steps of the government taken for the uplift of education.
Synchronising with the occasion, a number of cultural programmes like Chaitali nritya, Bodo dance, street play etc., were also organised. In the same function prizes of the best ANM, MPW and ASHA worker of the district and different literary and sports events held on the occasion were distributed.
BADARPUR: I-Day was celebrated at the Barak Valley Railway headquarter town here with gaiety and enthusiasm.
The main function was held at Badarpur NC College playground, where the Tricolour was hoisted by the Badarpur Circle Officer Deepmala Goala. Paying tributes to the freedom fighters, the CO in her brief address explained the significance of the day and earnestly appealed to all to extend their help and co-operation for all round development of the entire Karimganj district including Badarpur. She also took salute of the impressive march past of the NCC, Scouts and Guides and others security personnel.
The district main function was also observed at Karimganj Government School playground with gaiety and enthusiasm, where the National Flag was hoisted by the Karimganj DC Pradeep Kumar Talukder.
HATSINGIMARI: Despite devastating floods in South Salmara-Mankachar district, State Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma hoisted the National Flag at Hatsingimari Janata HS School playground in presence of thousands of people where DC, Atika Sultana, SP, Amrit Bhuyan accompanied her.
On the occasion, the Minister inaugurated the Prime Minister Ujjwala Scheme by distributing gas cylinders to some of the beneficiaries.
It is reported that most of the schools and offices in South Salmara revenue circle are badly submerged in flood water and flags were hoisted in knee deep water.
NAMRUP: The I-Day was observed here at the three industrial houses, educational institutions and other socio-economic organisation with patriotic fervor and zeal.
At the Assam Petrochemicals Limited here, the Tricolour was unfurled by the Managing Director. He also inspected the guard of honour by the security personnel of APL and highlighted about the progress of the new project and the bright future of methanol as fuel instead of petrol in the country.
At the Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd., the National Flag was hoisted by its Director (Production) at Gandhi Maidan amidst large gatherings. Motivational award was presented to 31 employees of BVFCL too. At NTPS, the Tricolour was hoisted by its General Manager.
Patacharkuchi: Prerna Sarma SDO (C) unfurled the Tricolour at the Bajali Higher Secondary playground.
In her speech, she recalled the memories of the sacrifices of the great leaders of the locality who fought for the independence of our country. Various cultural programmes were arranged synchronising with the celebration of 71st Independence Day by various groups representating Anundoram Barooah Academy, Nartan Academy, Pathsala Public School, Pragati Sangha, Parihareswar Devalaya, Tapoban etc. Certificates to the freedom fighters and felicitation to progressive farmers was also held on the occasion. Pathsala Chambers of Commerce also distributed fruits among the patients of Pathsala hospital and �Tapoban� a shelter for the helpless.
