DODA, AUGUST 15: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic spirit and traditional fervour in District Doda. The District level function was held here at Sports Stadium amid active participation of students, security personnel, officers, officials and the general public.
The celebration commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The National Song “Vande Mataram” was also recited on the occasion, marking the commemoration of its 150 glorious years.
Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal inspected the parade and took the salute at an impressive parade consisting of contingents from the CRPF, SSB, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Police Protection Force (PPF), NCC cadets and students from various Government and private educational institutions. Senior Superintendent of Police Kartik Shrotriya and Additional Deputy Commissioner Anil Kumar Thakur, besides other officers and officials of the district administration attended the function.
The disciplined formations, synchronized marching and coordinated performances were appreciated by the gathering. The performances of the J&K Police Band and school bands added to the patriotic atmosphere.
The celebration also featured colourful cultural presentations presented by students of the Government and private schools, including patriotic songs, folk dances and theme-based items, depicting India’s rich heritage, unity in diversity and national spirit.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal extended warm greetings and best wishes to the people of the District on the 80th Independence Day. He paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters whose sacrifices and relentless struggle secured India’s independence and recalled the contributions of great national leaders and freedom fighters.
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the development achievements and ongoing initiatives in District Doda the key sectors like education, agriculture, youth empowerment, social welfare, tourism, rural employment and revenue digitisation.
“The Education sector is being given special attention as 153 Smart Classrooms and 46 additional classrooms were created during 2025–26. Similarly, besides keeping a provision of establishing 127 Smart Classrooms in the current year, 15 additional classrooms, 4 Atal Tinkering Labs, 2 Space Labs and 12 STEM Labs have already been established in PM SHRI Schools, besides completing DIET building,” he informed.
Elaborating on the progress achieved in the agriculture sector, the Deputy Commissioner said that 114 KKG units and more than 8,000 HADP units have been established in the district. The lavender cultivation has already established the district as a major hub of the Purple Revolution, he added.
“Under Mission YUVA, the administration has approved more than 4,000 applications, providing new avenues of employment and entrepreneurship to the youth. In the social welfare sector, more than 47,600 beneficiaries are currently receiving benefits under the government pension schemes, while several initiatives are being implemented for economic empowerment and inclusive development,” the DC informed.
Highlighting the steps taken to tap tourism potential, the Deputy Commissioner informed that more than six heritage and tourism-related projects involving an investment of over ₹21.50 crore have been initiated in the District. The Chenab River Front Project, being developed at a cost of ₹3.50 crore, is nearing completion and is expected to promote tourism, employment and economic activity in the district.
He further informed that 27 lakh person-days of employment have so far been approved under the VB-G RAM-G Scheme, which was implemented in the district from July 1, providing livelihood opportunities to people in rural areas.
More than 8,000 Property Cards have been distributed under the SVAMITVA Scheme, even as the district has completed the digitisation of Revenue Records, enabling citizens to access land-related information conveniently through digital platforms.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the collective contribution of the District Administration, Police Department, security forces, government departments, elected representatives, farmers, students, youth and the people of Doda towards the district’s development.
He called upon all sections of society to perform their duties with honesty, dedication and commitment and reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to work towards the unity, integrity, peace, development and prosperity of District Doda and the nation.
The Independence Day celebration witnessed the participation of a large gathering of dignitaries, officers, officials, teachers, students, security personnel and members of the public. The vibrant participation reflected the spirit of patriotism and national pride associated with the occasion.
Meanwhile: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervour at Bhaderwah. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sunil Kumar Bhutyal hoisted the tricolour and took the salute at the march past presented by various contingents.
The celebrations commence with the hoisting of the National Flag, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The National Song” Vande Mataram” was also recited, marking the commemoration of its 150 glorious years. A cultural programme was also presented by the students and tiny platoons from government and private schools.
Similarly, the 80th Independence Day was celebrated across Thathri Sub-Division with patriotic fervour and a renewed commitment to inclusive development, as the administration highlighted the region’s progress in healthcare, social security, connectivity and youth empowerment.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sheetal Sharma hoisted the National Flag at the main ceremonial function and addressed the gathering. The ceremony was conducted in accordance with the latest prescribed protocol, with “Vande Mataram” preceding the National Anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” at the designated stages of the programme.
The SDM paid homage to the freedom fighters and martyrs and said that the significance of Independence Day lies not only in remembering the sacrifices that secured freedom but also in reaffirming the collective responsibility to translate freedom into opportunity, dignity and equitable development.
