Pune, August 16, 2023: On the occasion of India’s 77th Independence Day, the Indian Army joined forces with mountaineers from Maharashtra to create a striking visual display. The tricolor flag was hoisted atop various forts across the state, commemorating the nation’s freedom.
Under the leadership of Pune-based Southern Command, a unique initiative was undertaken that spanned the six states under the command’s jurisdiction. An Indian Army contingent, accompanied by mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts, simultaneously raised the Indian tricolor on a total of 75 forts, with a significant 47 forts situated exclusively in Maharashtra.
The act of unfurling the national flag and singing the anthem alongside Indian Army personnel atop forts steeped in the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his brave comrades, who fought for independence, created an unforgettable experience for all participants. More than 650 Indian Army personnel and nearly 500 fort enthusiasts and adventurers from Maharashtra enthusiastically took part in this meaningful endeavor.
Giripremi mountaineering club, based in Pune, played a crucial role in coordinating and ensuring the smooth execution of the event under the guidance of the Southern Command. Aside from the 47 forts in Maharashtra, one fort each from Telangana, Karnataka, and Goa witnessed mountaineers trekking and proudly raising the national flag, resulting in a grand total of 50 forts involved in this remarkable Independence Day celebration led by mountaineers.
Giripremi mountaineers embarked on treks to various forts within the Pune District. The Giripremi women’s mountaineering team, gearing up for their upcoming Mt. Sudarshan expedition, celebrated at Fort Rohida. The Mt. Meru expedition team successfully conquered Fort Purandar. Prominent figures such as Ushaprabha Page, Founder President of Giripremi, President Jayant Tulpule, Veteran Mountaineer Umesh Zirpe, and other senior mountaineers actively participated in the event.
The Sahyadri forts not only stand as geological remnants but also hold historical narratives within their walls. Early in the morning, mountaineers and fort enthusiasts assembled at the foothills, extending warm greetings to the Indian Army teams. This was followed by a collective ascent to the forts’ summits, where the mountaineers shared the forts’ history and geographical significance with the Indian Army personnel. Between 9:00 and 11:00 AM, the national flag was unfurled atop all fifty forts, creating a vibrant and energetic display fueled by passion, love, and reverence for India.
This successful event was made possible by the collective efforts of numerous mountaineers and mountaineering institutions across Maharashtra. Alongside Giripremi, District Mountaineering Associations from Nashik, Ahmednagar, Satara, Kolhapur, Pune, Mumbai, Raigad, Thane, Sahyadrimitra Mahad, Maitri Pratishtan, Trekkshitij, Shri Shivavandaneshwar Sanvardhan Sanstha, Nashik Climbers and Rescue Association, Vainatey Sanstha, and Yoddha Trekkers played active roles in ensuring the event’s seamless execution.
The coordination of the entire program was led by Bhushan Harshe, Suyash Mokashi, and Abhay Khedkar from Giripremi. Dr. Amar Adke, Vinod Kamboj, Dilip Gite, Dayanand Koli, Rahul Meshram, Ranveer Gaikwad, Sudarshan Kulthe, Dr. Rahul Warange, Suraj Malusare, Rahul Chavhan, Ajit Jadhav, and Kishor Navkar also contributed wholeheartedly to the successful logistical arrangements during the execution.
The list of forts where the Independence Day celebrations took place includes Pandavgad, Vairatgad, Chandan, Vandan, Pratapgad, Hadsar, Jivdhan, Shivneri, Chavand, Bhorgiri, Purandar, Torna, Rajgad, Visapur, Lohgad, Sinhagad, Tikona, Korigad, Tung, Rohida, Daulatabad, Antur, Samangad, Mahipalgad, Vishalgad, Panhala, Mahuli, Prabalgad, Raigad, Hatgad, Markandya, Ravala, Javala, Dhodap, Ramsej, Rajdeher, Chandvad, Bhaskargad, Bramhagiri, Dehergad, Ranjangiri, Aamadnagar, Ratangad, Bitangad, Kalalgad, Vishramgad, Harishchandragad, Rajhansgad, Chaporagad, and Varangal gad.
