Chants of 'Vande Mataram' drape Haryana in Tricolour

The 79th Independence Day was celebrated across the state on Friday with fervent patriotism, vibrant processions, and Tricolour-themed festivities.

Districts and sub-divisions hosted a variety of programmes with the Governor, Vidhan Sabha Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Cabinet Ministers presiding over ceremonies as chief guests, and taking salutes at parades.

Celebrations began with the hoisting of the national flag, as chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram” echoed across the state. Streets appeared to be draped in saffron, white, and green, as schools and community centres performed patriotic songs, plays, and poetry.

Guv pays floral tributes at Shaheed Smarak

In Ambala, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh paid floral tributes at the Shaheed Smarak and honoured war widows, families of freedom fighters and eminent persons who had participated in the Emergency movement and the Hindi Andolan. Addressing the gathering, Ghosh said the year 1947 marked the realisation of every Indian’s dream of freedom.

Speaker talks about Pahalgam terror attack

Addressing a gathering in Panipat, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan described August 15 as a day charged with the emotions of lakhs of citizens. Recalling the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, he said the armed forces had avenged the killings of the victims of the attack by destroying terror camps inside Pakistan.

State committed to PM’s Viksit Bharat vision: Vij

In Yamunanagar, Power, Transport and Labour Minister Anil Vij said the state was committed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, built on empowering youngsters, farmers, women, and the poor. He said the ‘double-engine government’ (in power both in state and Centre) had laid out a clear roadmap to transform Haryana into a fully developed state by 2047.

Panchayats Minister cites state’s 1857 legacy

Addressing a gathering in Kurukshetra, Development and Panchayats Minister Krishan Lal Panwar said Haryana’s legacy was one of courage, adding that the revolt of 1857 began in Ambala.

He said a grand Shaheedi Smarak at Ambala Cantonment was being constructed to preserve the memory of the historic spark of freedom.

At Faridabad, Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam lauded the armed forces for their decisive responses to threats to national sovereignty.

Commerce Minister lauds Op Sindoor, Op Mahadev

In Rewari, Industries, Commerce and Forest Minister Rao Narbir Singh lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces for carrying out Operation Sindoor, which demolished nine terror hideouts in Pakistan; and Operation Mahadev, which eliminated those responsible for the Pahalgam attack.

Edu Minister urges citizens to protect nation’s integrity

In Kaithal, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda said PM Narendra Modi and CM Nayab Singh Saini were working dedicatedly towards building the India of martyrs’ dreams.

Citizens should take a pledge to remain steadfast in protecting the dignity and integrity of the country, whatever the challenge may be, he added.

Independence Day a symbol of sacrifice: Goel

In Narnaul, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Vipul Goel called Independence Day a symbol of sacrifice rather than a mere date on the calendar.

‘Tricolour an emblem of history, struggle, dreams’

In Sonepat, Cooperation, Heritage and Tourism Minister Arvind Sharma said the Tricolour stood as a vibrant emblem of history, struggle, and dreams, and paid homage to all known and unknown martyrs, who had defended the nation’s unity, both before and after Independence.

Zero tolerance towards terrorism: Agri Minister

Addressing a gathering in Gurugram, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shyam Singh Rana said India had a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, stating that Operation Mahadev had wiped out the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack.

A reminder of bravehearts’ sacrifice, says Gangwa

At Fatehabad, Public Health Engineering and PWD Minister Ranbir Singh Gangwa said the day was not just a date, but a day of emotions for crores of Indians. It reminded us that countless bravehearts had sacrificed their lives to give us freedom, he added.

Empowerment Minister praises soldiers

In Hisar, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Krishan Kumar Bedi praised the soldiers guarding the borders, enabling citizens to live in peace and freedom.

Health Minister praises govt for flagship schemes

In Nuh, Health, Medical Education and Ayush Minister Arti Singh Rao said flagship schemes such as the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, PM Awas Yojana, PM Surya Ghar, and the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana had empowered millions of citizens.

Dy Speaker lauds forces for eliminating terrorists

Addressing a gathering in Karnal, Deputy Speaker Krishan Lal Middha paid homage to the nation’s martyrs and praised the security forces for their “swift and decisive elimination” of the terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack.

‘Soldiers continue to safeguard honour of national flag’

In Palwal, Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Rajesh Nagar said countless brave sons and daughters of the country had sacrificed their lives to secure its freedom.

Nagar added that the nation’s soldiers, braving the toughest conditions on its borders, continued to safeguard the honour of the Tricolour.