Govt to highlight new ‘pro-poor initiatives’ to mark I-Day

 This initiative has been taken to create opportunity for youth to be disseminated amongst the people. This has been proposed in order to integrate the joy of independence with the spirit of a vibrant and young India.

Regarding the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Union I&B Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said while addressing media on Tuesday that “special programming would be mounted by AIR and DD based on patriotic songs, video and audio clips of National Icons. Social Media would be used extensively to promote the spirit of participation and position interactive campaigns.”

The Ministry of Textiles would also launch the Colors of Independence and from Quit India to Make in India campaign. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports would be organising a candle light Freedom March involving the Nehru Yuva Kendras at all major centers on the eve of Independence Day.

Elaborating on the different activities to be undertaken, Naidu said, “Central Ministers and important leaders would visit birth places of national icons and places of historical importance related to India’s Independence movement such as Jallianwala Bagh, ChauriChaura, Cellular Jail,Sabarmati Ashram, Dandi etc.” “Around 150 such places had been identified such that each state would be visited by at least two Central Ministers. In addition, women Ministers would be visiting border areas and tie Rakhi to soldiers on Raksha Bandhan Day i.e., August 18. Kith and kin of martyrs, freedom fighters, INA heroes and ex-soldiers who had been conferred with bravery awards shall also be felicitated,” the minister added.

The government has also decided to promote Khadi in a big way during the celebratory campaign. In order to enhance the outreach, local artisans would display their products from the handloom and the Khadi sector in Exhibitions.

The cultural programmes depicting life histories of icons and stories of freedom struggle would be organized all over the country, Naidu also mentioned. Important historic events like Quit India Day (August, 9) Hyderabad Liberation Day (September 17), Goa Liberation Day (December 19) would be revisited during the celebrations.