Ashok Kumar: “India values its relationship with Mauritius”

India is celebrating its 70th Independence anniversary on Monday 15 August. News on Sunday takes this opportunity to ask a few questions to the Acting High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Mr Ashok Kumar, on the achievements since India got its sovereignty and of the challenges lying ahead.

Focus of the 70th anniversary celebrations

The mood for the 70th anniversary celebrations is euphoric. The Government of India has planned an elaborate fortnight-long programme, being called ‘70 Saal Azadi – Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani’ (70 years of Independence – Let’s recall the sacrifices) to remember the contribution of those martyrs and freedom fighters who have participated in the freedom struggle or laid their life for the country.

The purpose of the fortnight long celebrations is to rekindle the spirit of patriotism, infuse patriotic fervour in the heart and minds of the youth and children, to integrate the celebrations of joy of independence with the spirit of vibrant and young India.

Massive programmes are organized across the country from 9 August to 23 August. The 15-day event showcases the plurality and diversity of India through various modes and platforms and incorporating the voices and sentiments of the people. The celebrations began from 9th of August to also commemorate the 70th anniversary of Quit India movement.

On 9th of August, 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi formally inaugurate the fortnightly long celebrations of India’s 70th Independence day from revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad’s birthplace in Madhya Pradesh by paying homage to the freedom fighter. 

75 Union Ministers will travel around the country; visit important places, the birthplace of national icon and places of national importance related to independence movement such as Jallianwala Bagh, Chauri-Chaura, Sabarmati Ashram, Cellular Jail in Andaman islands, Kakori, Dandi and other places. One Minister will be visiting at least two places in two different states. 150 places linked to freedom struggle have been identified. Thus the Ministers will be criss-crossing the country during the programme.

On 18 August, the Rakshabandhan day, all women Union Ministers would tie ‘rakhis’ on the wrists of soldiers deployed in border areas and other places. The kith and kin of the Martyrs, freedom fighters, INA heroes, ex-serviceman and ex- soldiers who have received gallantry awards will be felicitated. Important events of freedom struggle like Quit India day, Hyderabad liberation day, Goa liberation day to be revisited during the celebrations.

Sports and other icons and celebrities will be involved in a big way to join big programmes across the country. Marathons will be held in colour of independence i.e. tricolour. All important monuments in the country will be illuminated in the colours of the Indian Flag and the use of Khadi will be promoted in a big way during the next 15 days celebration campaigns.

A number of programs will also be organized at State-levels like Independence Day melas will be held where artisans will display their products like handlooms and khadi and use of khadi to be promoted. The Ministry of Culture will organize programmes across the country and all important monuments will be illuminated in tricolour. Cultural progammes depicting life of icons and stories of freedom struggle to be organized all across the country.

Rural sports and youth meets will be organised to involve rural youth and infuse patriotism in them. Sporting events in schools and colleges will be held. Essay writing about life and struggle of freedom fighters, Quiz debates, painting, drawing singing competitions for patriotic songs will also be organized throughout the country.

Independence Day run at every headquarters of a district will be organized by the State Governments. Stress will be placed on fighting terrorism as it is affecting the peace and progress and social harmony of the nation. Initiatives of the Government will be highlighted by the Ministers during their programmes.

Doordarshan, Radio and other medium of communication would be running patriotic films, stories, plays during the period.  Social media will be used by respective departments to involve people during the campaign A Film festival is organized where patriotic films are screened. Video and Audio clips of the speeches of National icons will also be telecast.

School children will be advised to visit the places of importance in their area associated with freedom struggle. Candle light freedom march will be held in a big way involving students.