Special ‘Vande Mataram’ Phase kicks off in Anantnag

• DC leads District-wide commemoration of Shaheedi Diwas

ANANTNAG: As a glorifying tribute to India’s freedom fighters and in accordance with the National Level Calendar, the District Administration Anantnag today started the week long special phase of "National Song, Vande Mataram" 150 Years Commemoration Campaign. In this regard, the main function was held at Town Hall Anantnag, where Deputy Commissioner (DC), Dr. Bilal Mohiud Din Bhat presided as the Chief Guest. 

ADC, ACR, ACD, DyDEO, CMO, CAO, CAHO, DEPO, ARTO, DSEO, DMO, AD FCS&CA and other officers/officials also attended the event. The function coincided with the solemn observance of Shaheedi Diwas, honoring the supreme sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, and Sukhdev.  Notably, the special phase of the campaign is scheduled to be organised from March 23 to March 30 across the district.

The ceremony featured the mass singing of the National Song, Vande Mataram, which resonated through the hall. This was followed by screening of short films and slideshows of classical documents which highlighted the bravery and revolutionary efforts of our freedom fighters and national martyrs.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC emphasized the significance of creating mass awareness about India's freedom struggle. "Today, as we observe Shaheedi Diwas, we are reminded that our freedom was won through the selfless blood and toil of heroes like Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru. This is an apt opportunity to respect the great leaders and revolutionaries who made supreme sacrifices for freedom of the nation. It is also an occasion to honour their indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to serve the motherland", the DC remarked.

Paying rich tributes to the freedom fighters, the DC said that it is the result of their courage and sacrifices that we are living in a free and democratic country with a vibrant constitutional set up. He said the officers and volunteers should create grassroot awareness about the National Song which motivated masses across length and breadth of the country during the long and arduous freedom struggle. 

The DC further urged the youth to draw inspiration from the National Song and these selfless icons of freedom and contribute to the nation’s progress. Dr. Bilal also called for displaying adequate IEC material highlighting the wisdom, courage and struggle of the freedom fighters and mass leaders, at prominent public places.

On the occasion, the DC briefed about various activities, including mass singing at government offices and educational institutions, playing documentaries, holding cultural and youth engagement activities depicting freedom struggle and role of freedom icons besides letter writing to freedom fighters which will be organised as part of the Special Phase Campain in the district. 

He enjoined upon the officers and concerned departments to ensure the planned activities are conducted with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. Similar events were held at all Subdivisions of the district where the respective SDMs and Tehsildars led the events, propagating the message of Shaheedi Diwas and the legacy of martyrs.