As India approaches its 77th Independence Day, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is all set to distribute over 5 lakh national flags to citizens as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. In line with the nationwide initiative launched by the Central Government, this endeavor aims to foster a sense of patriotism and unity by adorning homes with the tricolor.
Beginning August 9, the PMC will make available 3,000 flags at each of its 15 ward offices, ensuring that these flags are distributed to citizens free of charge. An additional 1,000 flags will be provided as replacements for any rejected ones.
The PMC will meticulously track the distribution process, urging citizens to uphold the sanctity of the flag and handle its disposal in a respectful manner. Flags that are no longer needed should be appropriately disposed of, underscoring the significance of preserving the dignity of the national emblem.
Chetna Kerure, Deputy Commissioner of the Stores Department at PMC, emphasized, “Flag distribution will commence from August 9. Citizens are requested to collect their flags from their respective ward offices. The flags should be retired responsibly, and if desired, they can be returned to the ward office. Regardless, the flag’s honor must be upheld.”
This year’s Independence Day celebrations will also include the “Meri Mati Mera Desh” campaign, recently announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative, part of the two-year-long Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commemorating 75 years of Independence, is themed “Maati Ko Naman Veeron Ka Vandan.”
The campaign is dedicated to honoring the brave souls who sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation. Citizens are encouraged to pay tribute by taking a pledge, holding a handful of soil, and uploading a selfie on https://yuva.gov.in/meri_matti_mera_desh.
Last year saw the nation united in flying the national flag on every household, street, and corner of the country. Building on this spirit, Prime Minister Modi announced the continuation of the “Har Ghar Tiranga Abhiyan,” urging every household to proudly display the tricolor.
Guruswami Tumale, Superintendent of the Garden Department at PMC, shared, “As part of the ‘Meri Mati Mera Desh’ campaign, tree plantation drives will be organized in government schools and ward offices. Citizens who wish to participate in the campaign can collect saplings from Sambhaji Park. Additionally, on August 17, 75 saplings will be planted in Sambhaji Park to commemorate 75 years of Independence.”
The Meri Mati Mera Desh campaign encompasses various activities, including the installation of nameplates for freedom fighters, taking the Panch Pran pledge, planting indigenous tree saplings, honoring freedom fighters and their families, and hoisting the national flag while singing the national anthem.
To take part in the pledge:
- Visit https://yuva.gov.in/meri_matti_mera_desh
- Fill in your name, mobile number, state, and district
- Submit the information
- Take the pledge
- Capture pictures while participating in the specified activities:
- Hoisting the national flag
- Holding a sapling
- Holding soil
- Holding a diya
