New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) The government has planned an elaborate fortnight-long programme to commemorate the country's 70th Independence Day, Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the programme '70 Saal Azadi -- Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani' (70 years of Independence -- Let's recall the sacrifices) on August 9, that will continue till August 23.
Naidu said the 15-day event will showcase the plurality and diversity of India through various modes and platforms and incorporating the voices and sentiments of the people.
As part of the campaign, cultural programmes based on the biographies of our national icons and stories of freedom struggle will be organised all over the country.
The celebrations will also infuse patriotic fervour in the hearts and minds of the youth and children of the country, he said.
Briefing the media here, Naidu said Union ministers will visit the birthplaces of the national icons and places of historical importance related to India's independence movement, such as Jallianwala Bagh (Punjab), Chauri Chaura (Uttar Pradesh), Cellular Jail (Andaman islands), Sabarmati Ashram and Dandi (both in Gujarat) etc.
"It is the 75th year of 'Quit India' movement. All ministers will visit places associated with our freedom struggle, such as the Jallianwala Bagh, Cellular Jail, Sabarmati Ashram and Dandi etc. Each minister will visit at least two places," he said.
The minister said the campaign is also aimed at developing the feeling of "nation first".
"The visiting ministers will highlight various initiatives of the Narendra Modi government in the last two years. Independence means from 'swaraj' (self-rule) to 'suraaj' (good governance)," Naidu said.
Giving details of various activities that aim to capture the festive spirit on the occasion, Naidu said all important monuments in the country will be illuminated in tricolour, the use of 'khadi' (handspun cotton cloth) will be promoted in a big way, and Independence Day fairs and exhibitions held to enable local artisans to display their products.
Naidu said the participation of sport icons and celebrities in India was being solicited to capture the popular sentiment of the country.
A week-long 'Tiranga Yatra' to evoke feelings of nationalism and patriotism will also be undertaken from the Independence Day on August 15, he said.
Members of parliament and state legislatures have been asked to participate in the Yatra carrying the Tricolour and visit their constituencies.
Naidu said that the social media will be used extensively to promote the spirit of participation and position interactive campaigns.
