72nd Independence Day celebrated with gaiety at Silchar

Our Correspondent

Silchar, Aug 16: The 72nd Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic and nationalist feelings at Silchar. A large number of people braved the hot and humid weather and flocked to the District Sports Association (DSA) playground to rejoice and to be a part of the historic day. After hoisting the National Flag at 9 am, chief guest Pallab Lochan Das, Minister of State (independent charge) for Labour and Employment, Tea Tribes Welfare, addressed the mass gathering. He said that the country and the state of Assam are on the wheels of progress and development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal are determined to take India to the world stage.

Pallab Lochan Das recalled names of all the great freedom fighters of the country and said that all should learn from their exemplary lives. “We will have to work hard for building a better tomorrow for India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ has certainly changed the nation. I urge upon all to cooperate for developing Assam. The Sonowal-led government in Assam has touched each and every aspect of development in the fields of education, health, agriculture, transport and communication. Development of the tea tribe community has become a must. Besides these, we are focusing on building bridges and roads, providing old age pension, facilities for free education and free distribution of textbooks,” he added to say. He covered a wide range of topics and assured all round development of the district.

To make the celebration more memorable, games and sports, cultural events and competitions were held which added a grace to the occasion. Educational institutions, offices, shops and establishments too observed the day. Sweetmeats and fruits were also distributed among the patients of Indian Red Cross Society, Satindra Mohan Dev Civil Hospital, Shiva Sundari Nari Sikshaasram, Cachar Cancer Hospital, Lions’ Eye Hospital, Silchar Medical College and Hospital under the aegis of some social and philanthropical organizations. Floral tributes were paid to the innumerable known and unknown freedom fighters.

Later, the traditional boat race on river Barak kept the spectators and onlookers on the edge of their seat. People from all walks of life sat eagerly on the bank of the mighty river to see the historic boat race. It is to be mentioned here that the boat race has been taking place since 1947. The race, organized by Cachar Sporting Club, was a huge success this year also. Former Union Minister late Sontosh Mohan Dev was a chief patron of this race. The club came into being in 1936. Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police over the years have been witnessing this historic boat race. Competitions are categorized according to the sizes of the boats, small, mid size and big boats. The celebrations of the 72nd Independence Day ended on a high note.