JP Nadda flags off Tiranga Yatra 2024 from Rajkot

Rajkot : Amidst an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm, excitement, and patriotism, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Gujarat Chief Minister  Bhupendra Patel, and Union Minister of Jal Shakti  CR Paatil flagged off the Tiranga Yatra from Rajkot’s Racecourse. A large number of citizens joined the “Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra – 2024,” organized by the Department of Youth Affairs, Sports, and Cultural Activities, Gandhinagar, and the Rajkot Municipal Corporation.

The dignitaries first offered floral tributes to the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel near the Racecourse, followed by addressing the gathered public.

In his address, Union Health Minister  Jagat Prakash Nadda stated that Gujarat is the land of ascetics, saints, social reformers, freedom fighters, and heroes who inspire us. He paid homage to this land, saying that it ignites our inner consciousness and kindles our spirit.

The Union Minister noted that seeing the Tiranga (tricolor) waving all around today reminds us of the independence era. Gujarat has made a significant contribution to the fight for independence. The contributions of Gujarat’s Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel can never be forgotten. The current Prime Minister of the nation and Gujarat’s son, Shri Narendra Modi, has envisioned making the country Viksit Bharat by 2047 during this Amrit Kaal and has resolved to achieve it.

He urged the youth to remember that India’s freedom was not easily attained. Many brave martyrs sacrificed their lives, and countless families gave up their comfort and peace, struggling day and night for the freedom of Mother India. He encouraged everyone to remember the history of these great individuals and their struggle for independence.

Referring to Mahatma Gandhi’s call to “Quit India” on August 9, 1942, he mentioned how this movement became the voice of the masses and challenged the British, leading to a series of events that eventually secured India’s independence.

The Union Minister further highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country is progressing rapidly today. Many brave soldiers sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom, and even today, many security personnel are serving at the borders, keeping our frontiers safe. Because of their efforts, we live in an environment of peace and security. As citizens, we must utilize this freedom to pledge our utmost efforts during this Amrit Kaal to realize the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047. That will be the true success of the Tiranga Yatra.

He also pointed out that while major global economies were faltering, India, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, has become the world’s fifth-largest economy. He urged everyone to take a collective pledge during this Tiranga Yatra to elevate India to the world’s third-largest economy within the next 30 years.

Highlighting India’s achievements under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, he noted that India has surpassed Japan to become the third-largest leader in the automobile sector. Under the Make in India initiative, 97% of mobile phones are now manufactured domestically. Once reliant on importing defense resources, India has now emerged as an exporter of equipment, including bulletproof jackets. Addressing the youth and future generations, he underscored the importance of their contributions in transforming India into a developed country.

Chief Minister  Bhupendra Patel stated that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has implemented the idea of “Har Ghar Tiranga” Yatra across the country to make the Independence Day celebrations a people’s movement. Appreciating the unique enthusiasm of the people of Rajkot in maintaining the dignity of the national pride, Tiranga, he said, “Our Tiranga unites all the people of the nation. The campaigns like ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh,’ ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ and ‘Tiranga Yatra,’ launched across the country under the leadership of the Prime Minister, have successfully strengthened the spirit of ‘Nation First’ among the citizens. This mega campaign started under the leadership of the Prime Minister to strengthen patriotism among the masses, has now reached every household.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid heartfelt tribute to our freedom fighters, who played a pivotal role in achieving Swaraj, and added, “The inspirational Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah are constantly moving the country towards becoming a developed nation with good governance.” The Chief Minister extended his best wishes to all citizens to cooperate with patriotism in this memorable event.

Rajkot’s Mayor,  Nayna Pedhadiya stated that this Tiranga Yatra has been organized under the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign following the directives of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to awaken national sentiments and foster patriotism among the citizens.

During the public gathering, the Chairman of the Municipal Standing Committee,  Jaymin Thakre gave a welcome address. As part of the ongoing nationwide campaign “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam,” all dignitaries were welcomed with potted plants and flowers.

After the public meeting, all the dignitaries flagged off the Tiranga Yatra. All the dignitaries, holding the Tiranga, joined the yatra from the Racecourse to Jubilee Garden, where they offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.

The yatra was greeted with musical tunes, traditional dances, and cultural programs at various places. As the Tiranga Yatra passed through the route, people expressed their respect for the national flag by showering flowers.

Before the start of the Tiranga Yatra, a vibrant cultural program was held on the main stage at the Multi-Storey Building, featuring performances such as Kanbi Raas, Mandvi, Maniyaro Raas, Beda Dance, Panchal’s Doka Raas, Manjira Raas from Nal Kantha’s Padharo, Dangi Dance, Shield-Sword Dance (Dhal-Talvar Nritya), Mishra Raas, Rathwa Dance from Chhota Udepur, Maldhari’s Gof Raas, Garba, and Chorwad’s Tippani Dance.

A large number of students and teachers from various schools in Rajkot, members of social service organizations, trade and industry associations, faculty and students from colleges and universities, and a large number of citizens participated in the Tiranga Yatra.