GUWAHATI, Aug 16 - India�s attainment of independence flung open the doors of freedom for other subjugated countries. Only 45 countries in the world were free when India attained independence, but after India�s emancipation from the British rule, within 20 years most of other countries also broke the shackles of colonialism.
This was stated by veteran journalist DN Chakravartty during his speech after unfurling the Tricolour at the Guwahati Press Club on the occasion of the 72nd Independence Day on Wednesday.
Chakravartty reiterated that India�s struggle for emancipation was not exclusively and solitarily pioneered by the Indian National Congress. The first revolt was launched by the Indian princes, who were followed by tribals, peasants, militants and three other agencies, including the INA of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, and the rebels of the Indian navy. Chakravartty addressed another Independence Day function at the Sankaradeva Nethralaya.
The Independence Day was celebrated at GVK EMRI, with its vice president, operations, Sanjay Kumar Jha, hoisting the National Flag. It was followed by the rendition of the National Anthem and patriotic songs presented by the employees of the GVK EMRI, Assam. In his speech, he hailed the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and urged the employees to utilise the plethora of opportunities created by the Government of India for the betterment of the country.
The Guwahati Refinery observed the occasion with enthusiasm through a series of programmes at the Sector-II playground of the Refinery Township. The chief guest, Jogen Barpujari, Executive Director of the Refinery, hoisted the Tricolour amidst a large number of employees, members from CISF & Home Guards, schoolchildren and people from the greater Noonmati area.
Barpujari paid homage to the freedom fighters and recalled their contributions and sacrifices while reiterating Indian Oil�s contribution towards nation building.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) also celebrated the Day with a programme at the Maligaon. Sanjive Roy, General Manager of NFR, unfurled the National Flag in the presence of a huge gathering of railway officials and their families. The General Manager inspected a guard of honour given by RPF contingents and Bharat Scouts and Guides. The Day was also celebrated at NF Railway (Construction) headquarters complex at Maligaon. NK Prasad, General Manager of NFR (Construction), unfurled the National Flag.
Independence Day was also celebrated in all the five divisions of the NF Railway - Tinsukia, Lumding, Rangiya, Alipurduar and Katihar - where the respective Divisional Railway Managers unfurled the Tricolour.
The Commissionerate of Panchayat & Rural Development (P& RD) observed the Day at its Juripar, Panjabari office campus. Joint Director of P& RD, Arup Sarma unfurled the National Flag.
The Day was also celebrated with gaiety at the Games Village campus, Lalmati. The president of Games Village Welfare Society, Abdul Mutalib, unfurled the National Flag. He paid homage to the freedom fighters, martyrs, and the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, and asked all to render their services for the betterment of society.
Don Bosco School, Panbazar, celebrated the Day with a colourful programme at the school's football field. The chief guest on the occasion, Justice Tinlianthang Vaiphei, Chairperson, Assam Human Rights Commission, unfurled the Tricolour in the presence of school Principal Fr Sebastian Mathew and others. The tiny tots of primary school, dressed up as national heroes, added fun and entertainment to the programme.
The Beltola Senior Citizens' Association and Shaheen Academy also celebrated the day with various programmes.
