TAMENGLONG: Tamenglong district joined the nation in celebrating the 80th Independence Day at the New Helipad, Mini Secretariat Complex, Farmland, Tamenglong, on Saturday amid the 24-hour emergency total shutdown in all Naga districts and Naga-inhabited areas of Manipur called by the United Naga Council (UNC).
Organised by the District Administration, Tamenglong, the 80th Independence Day was celebrated under the national theme “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047”.
The solemn programme began with the hoisting of the National Flag by the Chief Guest, L. Angshim Dangshawa, Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong, followed by the Rashtriya salute.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner said that this year’s Independence Day celebration is particularly significant as the theme, “Yuva Shakti for Viksit Bharat@2047,” places the youth at the centre of India’s journey towards becoming a fully developed, self-reliant and powerful nation by 2047, when the country will celebrate its 100 years of independence.
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He highlighted the four key pillars that will drive the vision of Viksit Bharat—youth, farmers, women, and the eradication of extreme poverty. He called upon the youth of Tamenglong to shoulder the responsibility of contributing towards the realisation of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The Deputy Commissioner emphasised that the development of the nation must begin with the development of districts and communities. He stated that Viksit Bharat@2047 cannot be achieved unless the youth of Tamenglong develop their skills, take initiative and actively contribute to the development of the district.
As part of the Independence Day celebration, the District Administration honoured 13 outstanding young achievers and contributors from Tamenglong district with certificates of appreciation and cash awards. The awardees were recognised for their contributions in various fields, including sports, education, healthcare, media and information, art and music, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the development of sports infrastructure, the Deputy Commissioner announced that Tamenglong headquarters will soon have a FIFA-standard synthetic turf football ground. He also highlighted the ongoing Khelo India initiative under which 30 children are currently undergoing football training.
Expressing his vision for the district’s young footballers, he said that it is his dream to see at least 50 professional footballers from Tamenglong playing in major competitions such as the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League. He expressed confidence that what begins as a dream today can become a reality in the future through dedication, discipline and sustained effort.
He further highlighted various government initiatives being implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, through which hundreds of young people are receiving training and opportunities in different disciplines.
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In his closing remarks, the Deputy Commissioner urged the youth of Tamenglong to come forward, take responsibility and actively participate in the collective effort to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
The solemn Independence Day celebration also featured a cultural dance performance, National Song, and a band performance by the 6 Assam Rifles Band, adding patriotic fervour to the occasion.
