Itanagar, August 15: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at Lok Bhavan, Itanagar, on Saturday, with Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd.) hoisting the Tricolour and receiving the Guard of Honour from the Echo Company of the 33rd Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police attached to Lok Bhavan.
Addressing the gathering, Parnaik described Independence Day as a sacred reminder of the sacrifices of countless freedom fighters whose courage and selfless service secured the nation’s liberty. He urged citizens to uphold the values of democracy, justice, equality, unity and service to the nation while honouring national and Arunachal Pradesh’s freedom fighters.
The Governor noted that India was marking 80 years of Independence as well as the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, describing the song as a symbol of patriotism, national pride and collective destiny.
Highlighting Arunachal Pradesh’s development, Parnaik spoke of progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, hydropower and skill development. He said initiatives focused on youth, women, farmers and self-help groups, along with the development of border villages, were creating opportunities and strengthening self-reliance.
He also highlighted Lok Bhavan initiatives in administrative reforms, sports and fitness, organic farming and the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme aimed at exposing schoolchildren to India’s cultural diversity.
Parnaik called upon citizens to contribute towards building a prosperous, peaceful and self-reliant nation guided by unity in diversity and devotion to the motherland.
The programme featured a rendition of Vande Mataram by students of Rajiv Gandhi University. Gollo Aniya of Let’s Speak Arunachal also addressed the gathering and urged citizens, particularly the youth, to uphold unity, service and national responsibility.
Prizes were distributed for the Independence Day Lok Bhavan Games and Sports Competition, while referees and organisers were felicitated for their contributions.
A special citation was presented to Geyir Ete for her contribution to public communication and professional service in anchoring and conducting important state functions.
The Governor also presented Best Employee Awards to Sipiyang Pangkam, Gopal Darnal, Gulam Mustapa and Abhijeet Roy for their sincerity and dedication to duty at Lok Bhavan.
Governor Parnaik and First Lady Anagha Parnaik distributed sweets among participating schoolchildren and officials.
Officers and staff of Lok Bhavan, department officials attached to the Bhavan, and students and teachers from government and private schools attended the celebration.
