Port Blair, March 12: The Andaman & Nicobar Islands today joined the country in its celebration to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with series of activities. The festivity began with Admiral DK Joshi, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.), Hon’ble Lt Governor, A&N Islands & Vice Chairman, Islands Development Agency paying floral tribute to the heroes of our freedom struggle at the Martyrs’ Column, National Memorial Cellular Jail. Thereafter, the Lt Governor flagged off a Freedom Run from the historic Cellular Jail in the presence of Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Jitendra Narain and other Senior Officers of the Administration, prominent citizens. The Freedom Run witnessed an overwhelming participation of students from schools and colleges besides NYK and NCC cadets holding placards of patriotic quotes. The Freedom Run culminated at the Flag Point.    

Remembering the significant contributions made by our freedom fighters, a melodious patriotic musical event was staged as a tribute to the heroes of our freedom struggle in the premises of Cellular Jail. The musical programme comprising of patriotic songs was presented by two cultural organizations viz. BRW Music Wing and Sitesh Live Orchestra. The artistes presented melodious patriotic songs, evoking a feeling of patriotism among the tourists and Islanders present at the venue.

An exhibition on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose showcasing the life history, significant contributions of Netaji in India’s freedom struggle was also held at National Memorial Cellular Jail. Visitors in large number visited the exhibition.

Meanwhile, as part of the commemorative event, a seminar was held at JNRM on the topic ‘Azadi Ke 75 Varsh’ which saw active participation of academicians.

The seminar was chaired by Principal, JNRM, Dr. HK Sharma. He spoke on the importance of the day to commemorate the Dandi March Yatra by Mahatma Gandhi in 1930. Speakers, Smti. Pearl Devdas, Associate Prof. and Head, Geography Department , Dr. R.V.R.Murthy, Associate Prof (Pol. Sci.), Shri M.Selvam, Assistant Prof, Dr.S.K.Jha, Assistant Prof (Botany) and Shri Venkatesh Kr Singh, Assistant Prof spoke on India’s achievements and milestone since Independence. The programme was coordinated by Dr. S.K.Biswas, Associate Prof, Political Science.

Similarly, at Govt. Model Sr. Sec. School, the students displayed their writing skill in the essay competition organized as part of the event. Prizes were also distributed to the winners of the competition.

The events saw active participation of Islanders who joined in the celebrations with their fellow brethrens across the country today. India@75 indeed calls for a wide celebration, as the country’s freedom was a hard earned one, reminding each one of us of the bravest sacrifices that led to our liberation from the colonial rule.