ANANTNAG, AUGUST 15: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated across Anantnag district with great patriotic fervour, enthusiasm and national spirit.
The main function of the day was organised at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College, Khanabal, where a large gathering of people joined the celebrations to commemorate the historic occasion and honour the sacrifices of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives for the nation’s independence.
Minister for Education, Higher Education, Health and Medical Education and Social Welfare Departments, Sakeena Itoo, was the chief guest at the main function. She hoisted the National Flag and took the salute from the impressive ceremonial parade presented by contingents of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces. The parade also featured contingents of NCC cadets and school children, who marched with discipline and enthusiasm, adding to the patriotic spirit of the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo extended warm greetings to the people of Anantnag and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir on the 80th Independence Day. She paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters, martyrs and national heroes whose courage, sacrifice and determination made the country’s independence possible. She emphasised the importance of preserving the values of freedom, democracy and unity of the nation.
The Minister highlighted the achievements of the government in various sectors and outlined the initiatives being undertaken for overall development, welfare and empowerment of the people. She said that sustained efforts are being made to strengthen the infrastructure, improve delivery of public services and ensure that the benefits of development reach every section of society.
Speaking about the healthcare sector, the Minister underscored the government’s commitment to strengthen healthcare infrastructure, improve medical facilities and ensure better and more accessible healthcare services for the people especially women, children and poorer sections of the society. She also highlighted the importance being accorded to education and other key sectors for building a stronger, prosperous and self-reliant society.
The Minister affirmed that development of infrastructure, promotion of education, strengthening of healthcare services, creation of employment opportunities and improvement in civic amenities remain among the key priorities of the government. She called upon all stakeholders, particularly the students and youth, to contribute actively towards the progress and development of the district and the nation at large.
Stressing the importance of Self Employment Schemes, the Minister said that the youth should come forward and avail the benefits of various flagship schemes so they become prosperous enterpreneurs and job providers.
The Independence Day function was attended by MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majeed Bhat, MLA Pahalgam, Altaf Ahmad Wani, MLA Srigufwara-Bijbehara, Bashir Ahmed Shah Veeri, MLA Kokernag, Zafar Ali Khatana, MLA Shangus-Anantnag East, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroze Ahamad, DIG SKR, Javid Iqbal Matoo,
DC Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, SSP Anantnag, Amod Ashok Nagpure, ADCs, SEs, College Principals, senior officers from civil administration, police, paramilitary and other security forces, former public representatives, officials from various government departments, teachers, students, NCC cadets, civil society members, social activists, and a large number of local residents.
On the occasion, colorful cultural bonanza on patriotic themes, local folk and national unity was presented by the students from various educational institutions.
The ceremony concluded with prize distribution for march past and cultural achievements and felicitation of employees from various departments, artists, social activists, sports personalities and ground level workers for exemplary public service and commendable work in respective fields.
