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The Indian Eye
EYE ON INDIA AUGUST 21, 2026 6

Patriotism Takes Centre

Stage as Indians Celebrate

the Spirit of Tiranga

From Tiranga rallies and boat yatras to flags on homes and patriotic songs, the country

witnesses a nationwide expression of pride, remembrance and collective resolve

OUR BUREAU
New Delhi
s India celebrates its 80th In-
dependence Day, the national
Aflag is increasingly becoming
the most visible symbol of a country
preparing not merely to remember its
freedom struggle but to connect that
history with its ambitions for the future.
Across cities, universities, gov-
ernment institutions and neighbour-
hoods, the Tricolour is appearing
in rallies, processions, cultural pro-
grammes and public spaces. The
mood is unmistakably patriot-
ic, but the messaging around this
year’s celebrations is also changing.
Alongside memories of the freedom
movement and sacrifices of the past,
there is a growing emphasis on In-
dia’s development, self-reliance and People take part in a Tiranga Boat Rally in the upper lake ahead in Bhopal on Thursday (ANI Photo)
the ambition of becoming a devel-
oped nation by 2047. bicycle rallies, tricolour illumination theme “Tiranga Salute to the Spirit of digital space.
At the centre of this nationwide of important locations, decorations Vande Mataram”, while the popular The political leadership has been
mobilisation is the ‘Har Ghar Tiran- and Rangoli programmes. Special ac- ‘Selfie with Tiranga’ initiative is once prominent in setting the tone. Ex-
ga’ campaign, which encourages cit- tivities are being organised under the again bringing the campaign into the ternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
izens to bring the national flag into shared a photograph with the nation-
their homes and establish a more per- al flag, with External Affairs Ministry
sonal relationship with the Tricolour. spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal am-
The campaign began under the Azadi plifying the message with the phrase,
Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative with the “Tiranga in every heart, every home.”
objective of making the flag part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
everyday public participation rather has also urged citizens to participate
than limiting it to official ceremonies. in the campaign, linking the symbol-
This year, the campaign carries ism of the national flag with the larg-
an additional historical resonance. er goal of building a ‘Viksit Bharat’.
India is marking the 150th anniversa- He has described the Tricolour as a
ry of ‘Vande Mataram’, the national source of inspiration for citizens to
song that became deeply associated contribute to the nation and under-
with the freedom movement. The lined the special significance of this
combination of the Tricolour and year’s celebrations because of the
Vande Mataram has given the cele- 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram.
brations a strong historical and cul- The message is clear: patriotism
tural dimension. is being presented not only as an emo-
The government has planned tion but also as a responsibility.
Tiranga rallies and processions, ex- National Cadet Corps (NCC) Cadets, Maharashtra Directorate, participate in the ‘Har Ghar That idea is visible in the lan-
hibitions, concerts, motorcycle and Tiranga rally’ campaign at Azad Maidan, in Mumbai on Thursday (ANI Photo) Continued on next page... >>

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