80th Independence Day Celebrated Grandly in Farrukhabad, Dignitaries Honored

80th Independence Day Celebrated Grandly in Farrukhabad

Farrukhabad District celebrated the 80th Independence Day with full grandeur, dignity, and respect at the Collectorate Auditorium, Fatehgarh. The event was graced by **Shri Kailash Singh Rajput**, State Minister for Energy and Additional Energy Sources Department, Uttar Pradesh, as the chief guest, with **District Magistrate Dr. Ankur Lathar** presiding over the ceremony.

The occasion was further enhanced by the esteemed presence of **Sushil Kumar Shakya**, MLA from Amritpur; **Nagendra Singh Rathore**, MLA from Bhojpur; and **Smt. Urmila Verma**, wife of freedom fighter late Ramcharan Verma. Following government directives, District Magistrate Dr. Ankur Lathar commenced the day by garlanding the statue of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar at 07:30 AM on J.N.B. Road.

At 8:00 AM, the chief guest Minister Shri Kailash Singh Rajput, MLAs Shri Sushil Kumar Shakya and Shri Nagendra Singh Rathore, District Magistrate Dr. Ankur Lathar, senior district administration officials, and students participated in reciting the national song 'Vande Mataram' before the flag hoisting, as per government directives. Subsequently, the flag was hoisted with full dignity and respect, followed by the singing of the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana'.

Following the flag hoisting, dignitaries and district administration officials paid homage by garlanding the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose. A tree plantation drive was also conducted within the Collectorate premises. Following the tree plantation, a cultural program was organized in the Collectorate Auditorium to commemorate Independence Day, in the presence of the Chief Guest Minister, public representatives, the District Magistrate, district administration officials, and other distinguished individuals.

Freedom Fighters Honored, Cultural Evening Showcases Talent

The program began with the guests garlanding a portrait of Bharat Mata. Following this, Smt. Urmila Verma, wife of Farrukhabad's freedom fighter late Ramchandra Verma, was honored with a garland and a shawl.

Presiding over the event, District Magistrate Dr. Ankur Lathar emphasized the responsibilities that come with freedom. He stated that the true meaning of independence lies in the faithful discharge of one's duties alongside their rights. He urged everyone to maintain a clean environment, follow traffic rules, and assist those in need as responsible citizens.

“By honestly fulfilling our duties, we can transform India into a developed nation,” Dr. Lathar remarked, calling for unity to advance Farrukhabad's development. He particularly stressed the importance of education, healthcare, farmers benefiting from government schemes, a safe environment for women and girls, and ensuring government schemes reach the poorest of the poor.

The District Magistrate further urged to improve Farrukhabad not just in terms of schemes but also in practical actions. He highlighted the collective responsibility to keep the city clean, conserve water, plant trees, ensure road safety, protect the education and dignity of girls, and promote positive thinking over rumors. He reminded officials and employees that government positions entail significant responsibility, and citizens approach offices with expectations, thus, ensuring they leave with dignity is the core objective of good governance and democracy.

On the 80th Independence Day, the District Magistrate appealed to all to pledge to make the country clean and beautiful, impart good education and values, and work with honesty. He stated that an honest decision, a planted sapling, a life saved, a child educated, a poor person helped, and the safety and respect of a daughter are the true foundations of nation-building. He called for building an India that future generations can be proud of, which would be a true tribute to the freedom fighters.

MLAs Share Views, Highlighting National Heroes and Unity

MLA Nagendra Singh Rathore stressed the importance of understanding and fully implementing one's rights and duties to ensure lasting freedom and continuous progress. MLA Sushil Kumar Shakya spoke about the great personalities of India, including the composers of the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Gita, who have guided the world. He noted that every Indian family has contributed to the history of independence, citing Smt. Urmila Verma as a living example.

The MLA praised women's empowerment in the district, observing that the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and City Magistrate, all women, are performing their duties with truth and dedication. He emphasized the need for collective effort for the nation's progress.

'Har Ghar Tiranga' Campaign and Government Initiatives Highlighted

Chief Guest Minister Shri Kailash Singh Rajput stated that the 80th Independence Day is being celebrated with great enthusiasm. He mentioned that the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign is being organized across India to honor the memory of freedom fighters. He commended the District Magistrate's proactive role and dedicated service.

The Minister also informed about the current government's continuous action against criminals to build a crime-free state. He added that under the leadership of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, the nation is progressing steadily.

Awards Distributed, Prisoners Met

During the cultural program, district poet Shivom Ambar, District Excise Officer Guru Prasad Gupta, Bhupendra Singh, and school students presented various performances showcasing India's glorious history. Subsequently, government employees and sanitation workers recognized for their outstanding work in the district were honored by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.

Following this, the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police visited the hospitals in the Central Jail, District Jail, and Women's Prison to inquire about the well-being of the inmates. Sweets and fruits were distributed to the prisoners, and trees were planted within the jail premises.

Present on the occasion were Superintendent of Police Smt. Aarti Singh, Additional District Magistrate Finance and Revenue Arun Kumar Singh, Additional District Magistrate Judicial Dinesh Kumar, City Magistrate Parul Tarar, District Development Officer Shyam Kumar Tiwari, District Inspector of Schools Sanjeev Kumar, District Panchayat Raj Officer Avinash Chandra, and other dignitaries, along with district administration officials and employees.