Along with the rest of the country, the 76th Independence Day was observed centrally by Sonitpur district administration in a grand ceremony held at Church Field, Tezpur. Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, etc., Ashok Singhal who was present as the Chief Guest on the occasion hoisted the National Flag and inspected the Guard of Honour.
In his speech, recalled the contributions of the hundreds of freedom fighters who laid down their lives to attain the country’s independence from foreign rule. He also spoke about the major achievements of the state in the past year, and the various people-friendly schemes and policies brought about by the Assam Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Earlier, he paid homage to the martyrs of the 1962 Indo-China War at the War Memorial located at Circuit House, Tezpur and also offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Sonitpur as a mark of honour to the martyrs of the freedom struggle of the country.
As part of today’s programme, a total of 22 contingents, comprising Armed forces, NCC cadets and others participated in the march past. On the occasion, a brass band from Sashashtra Seema Bal and a pipe band from the Indian Army also put up a show for all present as a mark of honour for the martyrs of the freedom movement. A colourful cultural programme was also organized which included patriotic song and dance performances by students of Gurukul High School and Beseria Moina Parijat, a Khukri dance by Assam Rifles, a performance by an Odia dance troupe from Dhekiajuli, Mazbat, and a Bihu. A special highlight of today’s programme was a dog show by SSB, which was well appreciated by all the members of the public.
On August 14, Saturday, Bibhajan Bibhixika Smriti Divas or Partition Horror Remembrance Day was observed in a solemn programme organized by Tezpur Municipal Board in association with Sonitpur district administration at Hem Baruah Hall, Tezpur. Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, etc., Ashok Singhal inaugurated a digital exhibition of photographs of the partition and also paid homage to the souls of those who lost their lives.
An all faith prayer was also organised to mark the day. MP Pallab Lochan Das, MLA Tezpur, Prithiraj Rava, DC Deba Kumar Mishra, leading citizens of the district and other senior offials of TMB and district administration were present on the occasion.
Earlier Minister Singhal also paid respects to Chabilal Upadhyay, Sahitya Akademi Award winner at Dhekiajuli, visited Bokuli Hazarika, widow of freedom fighter Lt Biren Hazarika at Sagolichuk, Bihaguri, and social activist Minakshi Agarwal at Poruwa Chariali as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav programme. He also inaugurated several Model Anganwadi Centres at 2 No. Pithakhowa, at Betanijhar, and at Ketekibari on Saturday.
Later in the evening, the Minister inaugurated an Art & Photography exhibition at Heritage Dhekiajuli Police Station and took part in a padyatra through Dhekiajuli town. He also offered floral tributes at the Swahid Bedi at Dhekiajuli to honour the 13 martyrs who lost their lives in police firing on September 20, 1942.
