Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign in Poonch: Who Among Ex-Legislators, PRI Representatives and Prominent Citizens Has Led From the Front?  District administration launches week-long Vande Mataram programs; public representatives urged to display Tricolour at homes and offices

POONCH TODAY NEWS

POONCH: The District Administration Poonch has launched a week-long series of programmes from August 9 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram alongside the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, with patriotic activities being organised across the district. The campaign, launched by the Government of India, has emerged as an important annual initiative aimed at encouraging citizens to display the National Flag and strengthen the spirit of patriotism, national unity and pride. In Poonch, the administration has been making efforts to ensure its effective implementation across the district.

The Tricolour is a symbol of the country’s unity, sovereignty, sacrifices and democratic aspirations. Its display, therefore, should not be treated merely as compliance with an official directive but as a voluntary expression of respect for the nation. However, an important question arises in Poonch: how many former legislators, DDC members, former BDC members, Panchayat representatives, prominent citizens, NGOs, trusts and other influential personalities have themselves hoisted the Tricolour at their residences and offices? The question assumes significance because elected representatives and public figures are expected to lead by example. Those who have represented the people at different levels of democratic governance carry a special responsibility to demonstrate their commitment to the nation through their actions. No government order should be required to motivate an Indian citizen to honour the National Flag. While official directions can facilitate the campaign, patriotism and respect for the Tricolour ultimately come from within. The elected representatives of all three tiers of Panchayati Raj Institutions, former legislators and other public representatives should, therefore, come forward and participate in the campaign in a visible manner. By hoisting the Tricolour at their homes and offices, they can send a strong message to the younger generation and encourage ordinary citizens to participate wholeheartedly. The issue is particularly relevant in Jammu and Kashmir, where political developments and separatist politics have shaped public discourse for decades. Before the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A, sections of the political establishment in the Valley were often criticised for their positions on issues concerning national integration and India’s constitutional framework. Today, those who publicly affirm their faith in the Indian Constitution and repeatedly describe themselves as Indians should also demonstrate that commitment through their conduct. Public declarations acquire greater credibility when they are backed by visible actions. At the same time, the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign should remain above political divisions. The National Flag belongs to every Indian, and its honour should not be associated with any particular political party, ideology or community. The campaign also provides an opportunity for civil society organisations, NGOs, religious and social institutions, business establishments and prominent citizens to make their participation visible and inspire others. In Poonch, the campaign is being carried forward with enthusiasm under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Ashok Sharma and SSP Shafqat Hussain.  A number of programmes are being organised in different parts of the district to mark the Vande Mataram commemoration and promote the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. The Deputy Commissioner has appealed to students, youth, institutions and the general public to participate in the programmes and make the celebrations a grand success.

The response of the common people to the campaign has reportedly been encouraging. However, the participation of public representatives and influential sections of society remains equally important. The real spirit of Har Ghar Tiranga will be visible when those who seek public trust themselves lead the campaign from the front. As Poonch is celebrating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the Tricolour is once again providing an opportunity for people across political, social and community lines to reaffirm their commitment to the unity, integrity and constitutional values of the country.

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