UDHAMPUR, AUGUST 15: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervour and enthusiasm across District Udhampur.
The main function was held here at Government PG Degree College Boys, where Deputy Commissioner Minga Sherpa-the chief guest hoisted the National Flag and took the salute from an impressive march-past comprising 35 contingents drawn from J&K Police, Sher-i-Kashmir Police Academy, NCC, Volunteer Home guard and school students, besides Police Band.
Member Legislative Assembly Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range Shiv Kumar Sharma, SSP Amritpal Singh, Additional District Development Commissioner, Jugal Kishore, ADC Prem Singh, besides other officers from the District Administration, Police, Army, Air Force, CRPF, ITBP and BSF and a large number of citizens and students were present on the occasion.
While addressing the mammoth gathering, the DC extended warm Independence Day greetings to the people. He recalled the supreme sacrifices of the freedom fighters and martyrs who fought courageously against colonial rule and gifted the nation the invaluable legacy of freedom. “Independence Day is a day of pride, gratitude and resolve for every Indian. It is not merely an occasion to hoist the National Flag, but also an opportunity to pay homage to the brave sons and daughters of the nation whose courage, sacrifice and devotion laid the foundation of an independent India,” he said.
The DC highlighted India’s remarkable journey since Independence, listing the country’s achievements in science and technology, digital innovation, space, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, defence and the economy. He said India, as the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-emerging economies, is continuously scaling new heights on the global stage. He said the vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” is not merely a government objective but a collective national responsibility requiring the active participation of every citizen.
He further said that under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister and the able guidance of the Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir is steadily progressing towards development, good governance, transparency and greater people’s participation.
Highlighting the development initiatives in Udhampur District, the DC said that the district is witnessing significant transformation in infrastructure, connectivity, tourism and public services.
He said that during the current financial year 2026–27, under the District Plan, 2,618 development works have been sanctioned, out of which 2,516 works have already been tendered and 210 works completed. He described these figures as a testimony to the administration’s commitment to time-bound development and good governance.
Listing the district’s tourism potential areas, he said Udhampur is blessed with spiritual and natural heritage sites such as Sudh Mahadev, Mantalai and Patnitop. “These places have immense potential to promote tourism and strengthen the local economy,” he noted.
He further elaborated on the district’s progress in healthcare, civic services and general public wellbeing, while noting that healthy citizens are the greatest asset of any developed society. “Environmental conservation alongside tourism and infrastructure development is our major priority. Cleanliness, water conservation, plastic-free surroundings and green development are being promoted through active public participation,” he informed. He said the moves such as the Clean Himalayan and Hill Cities Initiative further reinforce the district’s commitment towards sustainable development and environmental protection.
The celebrations also featured a scintillating cultural programme presented by students of various educational institutions. The performances based on patriotism, national unity, cultural heritage and contemporary themes enthralled the audience and added colour to the celebrations.
At Ramnagar: Meanwhile, an impressive Independence Day celebration function was held at Government Model Higher Secondary School Ramban. The local SDM hoisted the National Flag and reviewed the march-past.
Similar Independence Day functions were organized at tehsil and sub-divisional headquarters across the district.
