KATHUA: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with fervor and patriotic spirit at Sports Stadium Kathua today.
Transport Minister Satish Sharma hoisted the National Flag and took salute at an impressive march-past featuring contingents of J&K Police, IRP, CRPF, Forest Protection Force, NCC cadets, and schoolchildren.
The event was attended by MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan, DDC Chairman Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, Vice Chairman DDC Raghunandan Singh, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, SSP Kathua Shobhit Saxena, DDC members, ex-servicemen, prominent citizens, and a large gathering of students and locals.
Addressing the assembly, the Minister extended warm greetings to the people on this historic occasion and paid tribute to the countless freedom fighters, soldiers, and citizens who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. He recalled the contributions of national leaders including Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, and Mahatma Gandhi, whose courage and determination laid the foundation of a democratic and sovereign India.
Expressing sorrow over the recent tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar, the Minister offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also lauded the tireless efforts of the district administration, security forces, NDRF, SDRF, and volunteers in rescue and relief operations.
Highlighting Jammu & Kashmir’s developmental journey, he noted that under dynamic leadership, the Union Territory is witnessing a new era of peace, growth, and opportunities. He emphasized government initiatives in technology, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure, including the shift to indigenous 5G and upcoming 6G technology, solar power projects, biotechnology parks, Khelo India Centres, and modern urban amenities such as the Kathua Water Front.
The Minister added that Kathua has emerged as a leader under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme with high-value crops like dragon fruit, avocado, and strawberry, alongside farmer-centric services through Kissan Khidmat Ghars. In healthcare, he highlighted milestones such as North India’s first Homeopathy Medical College in Kathua and near 100% institutional deliveries.
Urging citizens to uphold the values of unity, dignity, and justice, he called on them to contribute to building a Viksit Bharat—a developed and self-reliant India.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of participants and outstanding achievers of the district, followed by the National Anthem performed by winners of the DIPR competitions.
