The Indian Government has decided to observe the 70th Independence Day as 'Sankalp Parva', asking people to dedicate themselves to social causes and share their ideas to make a new India. Calling the 'Quit India Movement' an important milestone, the Centre has asked people to take a pledge this year, to create a new India that is strong, prosperous, and inclusive. A ministry order read, “Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, people across India, in every village, city, transcending all barriers came together with a common mission to uproot imperialism.”
It said that as India will complete 75 years as an independent nation in 2022, “this five-year period, from 2017 to 2022 gives us an unique opportunity of 'Sankalp' to 'Siddhi' towards a new India. Hence, 15 August 2017 be celebrated as the 'Sankalp Parva' or the Day of Resolve, and in 2022 our nation will transform that resolve into 'Siddi' or attainment.”
Winners to meet PM Modi!
The Union Human Resource Development ministry in collaboration with the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a notification asking institutes like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and Delhi University to conduct a couple of events on freedom struggle and Quit India movement. Educational institutes all across the country have been asked to organise events such as rock band concerts and quizzes based on patriotic theme from August 9 to 13 as part of the celebration of 70th Independence Day.
The initiative aims to infuse patriotism among aspiring pupils, and over one crore students are expected to participate. The top 10 winners will get the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "A number of rock bands have been identified by the information and broadcasting ministry, and 100 institutions that have adequate space to accommodate at least a thousand persons will be selected. All institutions have been asked to participate in the event," a senior ministry official said. "Institutions will be sent questions related to the quiz and they will organise it within the campus. Out of these, a final selection will be done and 10 students will get a chance to meet the Prime Minister."
Red Fort turned Fort Knox
Security has been beefed up at the Red Fort in the National Capital prior to the Independence Day celebration to be held on August 15. All rehearsals are being closely supervised by police personnel. Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jatin Narwal said, “The security arrangements required for the Independence Day celebrations in coordinated way are in place. Our security preparation is adequate enough to overcome any type of situation.”
Delhi Police had issued a statement earlier saying, “It has been reported that certain criminal, anti-social elements or terrorists, inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries and vital installations by the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang-gliders, UAVs, UASs, microlight aircrafts, remotely piloted aircrafts, hot air balloons, small size powered aircraft, quadcopters, or even by para-jumping from aircraft and others.”
