Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav will be a Jan Mahotsav: Shri Prahlad Singh Patel
Ahmedabad/Kalinga Voice
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the ‘Padyatra’ (Freedom March) from Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad and inaugurated the curtain raiser activities of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ (India@75). Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat, Union MoS (I/C) Shri Prahalad Singh Patel and Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani and Gandhi Ashram trustees were among those present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering at Sabarmati Ashram, the Prime Minister stated that the launch of the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ 75 weeks before 15 August 2022 will continue till 15 August, 2023. He paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi and great personalities who laid down their lives in the freedom struggle.
The Prime Minister reiterated five pillars i.e. Freedom Struggle, Ideas at 75, Achievements at 75, Actions at 75 and Resolves at 75 as guiding force for moving forward keeping dreams and duties as inspiration. The Prime Minister asserted that Azadi Amrit Mahotsav means elixir of energy of independence. It means elixir of inspirations of the warriors of freedom struggle; elixir of new ideas and pledges and nectar of Aatmnirbharta.
Talking about the symbol of salt, the Prime Minister said that salt was never valued on the basis of mere cost. For Indians, salt represents honesty, trust, loyalty, labour, equality and self reliance. He said at that time, salt was a symbol of India’s self-reliance. Along with the values of India, the British also hurt this self-reliance. People of India had to depend on salt coming from England. He said Gandhiji understood this chronic pain of the country, understood the pulse of the people and turned that into a movement.
The Prime Minister recalled the important moments in freedom struggle like the first war for Indian independence in 1857, Mahatma Gandhi’s return from abroad, reminding the nation of the power of Satyagraha, the call for complete independence by Lokmanya Tilak, the Delhi March of Azad Hind Fauj led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the slogan of Delhi Chalo. He added that the work of continuously awakening this flame of the freedom movement, in every direction, in every region, was done by our Acharyas, saints and teachers in every corner of the country. He said in a way, the Bhakti movement prepared the stage for the nationwide freedom movement. Saints like Chaitanya Mahaprabu, Ramakrishna Paramhans, Shrimant Shankar Dev created the bedrock of a countrywide freedom struggle. Similarly, saints from all corners contributed to the consciousness of the nation and freedom struggle. There are so many dalits, adivasis, women and youth from across the country who have done innumerable sacrifices. He noted the sacrifices of unsung heroes like Kodi Katha Kumaran, a 32-year-old man from Tamil Nadu, who did not let the country’s flag fall in the ground even while shot in the head by the British. Velu Nachiyar of Tamil Nadu who was the first Maharani who fought against the British rule.
Speaking on this occasion, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture Shri Prahlad Singh Patel said that after 91 years, we are all now on the same soil from where Gandhiji started the Dandi March. But it is a completely transformed India now. Recalling the words of the Prime Minister, the Union Culture Minister said that the journey of India will now be defined by self-reliance and self-respect. Our image on the world canvas will be that of a contributor. The new and self-reliant India has delivered medicines and vaccines to the world. We want to focus on labor and toil so that our future generations are carved out in strength. The Prime Minister envisions that when the country celebrates the centenary (100th year) of Independence, then our achievements and cultural glory should be an outshining example before the world. Shri Prahlad Singh also stated that Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav shall be a Jan Mahotsav and the programs will be organized as per the interest of the general public. In fact, these programs will be organized by the citizen themselves.
Addressing the audience, the Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani thanked the Prime Minister for initiating the Amrit Mahotsav celebrations of our independence from the soil of Gujarat. The Dandi March is an important milestone of our freedom struggle. For a promising future it is necessary to understand our past, he said.
The Chief Minister further added that today the attention of the whole country is focused on Gujarat. He said that two sons of Gujarat i.e Gandhiji and Sardar Patel played a pivotal role in our struggle for freedom. And now, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, our nation is moving in the direction of transforming the country into a Vishwa Guru.
The Prime Minister launched the website of India@75 on the occasion. He also launched the ‘Atmanirbhar Incubator’ programme of Ministry of Culture in partnership with Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust to preserve the skills and arts of artisans/crafts persons on the verge of extinction.
A unique Charkha Campaign was also started by the Prime Minister to promote ‘Vocal for Local’.(Give tweet of PM or Minister on Charkha)
A short film on ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ was screened on the occasion and Dandi Yatra Geet was also performed. The occasion was marked by colourful and inspiring cultural performances in the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat representing cultural variety and diversity from across the country. The performances ranged from those based on patriotic song penned by famous Tamil poet Subramania Bharti to Vande Mataram by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee to beautiful cultural item from Kashmir among others.
Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav is a series of events to be organised by the Government of India to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence. The Mahotsav will be celebrated as a Jan-Utsav in the spirit of Jan-Bhagidari throughout the length and breadth of the country.
