Ukhrul: District Administration of Ukhrul organised a grand programme to commemorate the 78th India Independence Day 2024 at Bakshi Ground, Hungpung, Ukhrul District.
Superintendent of Police, Ukhrul, Karthik Malladi (IPS) gave the general salute followed by inspection of the parade contingents. Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Kengoo Zuringla (IAS), hoisted the national flag. Chongtham Sarjan Singh (MPS Garde II) was the parade Commander.
Imminent personalities like Soso Shaiza, Advisor National Commission for Women of India, Sword Vashum, President Tangkhul Naga Long, Mark Luithing, Caretaker Chairman of ADC-Ukhrul, Thingreiphy Lungharwoshi, President of Tangkhul Shanao Long, President of Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long, Themmaso Tallanao, Machihan Sasa, Padma Shri Awardee and others attended the celebration.
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Speaking at the occasion, DC Kengoo Zuringla expressed gratitude to all the participants. She stated, “Independence Day reminds us of the sacrifice and determination of our forefathers who struggled against foreign dominion. The power for self- determination and right to choose her own course to create the nation’s self-governance found its expression in the Declaration of Independence from those who thought superior force and might could subjugate and break the minds of the people. However, fearing neither death nor starvation, our national leaders stepped up to break the nation free from oppression.
Despite the various cultural, linguistic, racial and traditional backgrounds, India has proved over and over again that we are one nation, we can co-exist in harmony by drawing on the diversity of the population. We are resilient and we have successfully built a nation with the contribution of one and all, efforts big and small, the hills and valley people complementing each other.
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On this special day, as we celebrate and honour the heroes of the past, we also remind ourselves how important it is to continue to uphold the spirit of liberty and democracy. We must build upon past achievements and encourage this current generation and each one after that to perform their patriotic duties by staying informed and help build strong communities.
The struggle for independence was a series of historic events with the ultimate aim of ending the British Colonial rule. Starting with the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, which marked the conscious beginning of the struggle for independence, many Indian national movements followed. Among them the Swadeshi Movement of 1905; Home Rule Movement launched by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Annie Besant of 1916; the First non-violent Protest led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917; Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930 to protest the Salt Law; Quit India Movement of 1942. The movement gained momentum and despite heavy suppression by the British Government, the movement stood its ground, demanding complete freedom. The people of India had a common agenda of fighting for independence. Today, we once again honor the freedom fighters for their collective efforts and their determination to fight till independence was attained. Such are the values that we must emulate today to continue safeguarding our hard earned freedom.
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In the words of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, “Freedom of mind is the real freedom.” A person whose mind is not free, though he may not be in chains, is a slave, not a free man. One whose mind is not free, though he may not be in prison, is a prisoner and not a free man. One whose mind is not free, though alive, is no better than dead. Freedom of mind is the proof of one’s existence.
On this 78th year of independence, let us ponder on what freedom means at a personal level, to you and to me. Liberty of thought and expression, respect for differences of opinions, advocacy of peace, having foresight, focusing on positive outcomes, seeing beyond self, are what will move us forward. They will take us far in making our community a truly vibrant and living democracy, contributing to building this great nation, India.
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God bless our nation, God bless our State Manipur, God bless our district Ukhrul with peace and prosperity,” said Ukhrul DC Kengoo Zuringla.
Special appreciation and mentioned was made to the CEO of ADC-Ukhrul, David Kashungnao, for facilitating schools from remote areas to participate in the parade competition. Schools under the Ukhrul Autonomous District Council located at remote areas like Khayang Upper Primary School, Pharung Shimtang Primary School and Halang Wunglungtang Primary School, who participated in the Independent’s Day parade dominated the parade competition by securing 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions. In the parade competition, Khayang Upper Primary School was declared the winner and Halang Wunglungtang Primary School and Pharung Shimtang Primary School were declared the second and third positions respectively. Another remarkable feature was the addition of traditional elements in the decoration of the stage by the Autonomous District Council of Ukhrul. A friendly football match was organised between DC XI and TNL XI to mark the occasion.
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