Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today unfurled the National Flag at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College Boys here to mark the 76th Republic Day celebrations.
She inspected the parade and took salute from the contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, Fire & Emergency Services, NCC and students of various schools. In her Republic Day address, Sakeena Itoo highlighted the significance of Republic Day, marking the adoption of the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950, which serves as the law of the land and ensures the fundamental rights of citizens.
“75 years ago our great National leaders adopted Constitution and by its spirit a democratic and social set-up present was established in our country”, she said. The Minister paid rich tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters whose sacrifices have enabled India to thrive as a free nation.
She expressed pride in witnessing the country’s progress and achievements. “History is witness to the remarkable development our country witnessed from last 70 years. Jammu and Kashmir, despite witnessing some turbulent times, also went through this cycle of development”, Sakeena Itoo stated.
The Minister further highlighted that “The manifesto by which the people of Jammu and Kashmir voted for us, this government will keep and fulfill these promises and these last three months are witness to it”, she said.
“When this government under the leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah took over, a mountain of issues and grievances had settled up. Our government is trying to settle everything related to common people and a new dawn for the people has started with this new popular Government”, she added.
She also expressed gratitude to people of Jammu and Kashmir for voting vehemently for this popular Government. Highlighting on some major steps the present government took in these three months, Sakeena Itoo said that the government in first Cabinet meeting adopted resolution on restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
She added that the Legislative Assembly also passed resolution on restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, underlining that these promises were made by our party to the people. The Minister on the occasion also spoke on the developmental milestones of district Anantnag across education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, women and youth empowerment and infrastructural growth under different schemes.
The celebrations featured colorful cultural performances by students from various educational institutions, reflecting the spirit of patriotism. The event concluded with the distribution of prizes for the best march past contingents and cultural performances.
Several employees from various departments were also felicitated for their exemplary public service. The event was graced by MLAs Peer Zada Mohammad Syeed, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Veeri, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Riyaz Ahmad Khan, Chairman District Development Council M.Y. Gorsi; Deputy Commissioner Anantnag SF Hamid; DIG SKR, SSP Anantnag, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners (Revenue and Development), officers from the Army and paramilitary forces, and a large gathering of local residents, students, and officials.
Earlier in the day, Republic Day celebrations were held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where DC Anantnag, SF Hamid unfurled the national flag. Similar functions were conducted at Sub-Divisional Headquarters, Tehsil Headquarters, Community Development Blocks, and other public offices across the district.