Udhampur , August 12: MLA Udhampur East Ranbir Singh Pathania today led a grand Tiranga Yatra from Shri Kali Mata Mandir, Tikri, to Gol Mela and Rounmail, drawing enthusiastic participation from people across the area. The impressive rally, comprising a serpentine procession of motorcycles, cars, tractors and a decorated barge, turned into a vibrant display of patriotism, national unity and pride in the Tricolour.
Addressing the participants and the jubilant gathering, MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania said that the Tiranga Yatra assumes special significance in the wake of the historic developments of August 5, 2019, and represents the country's renewed commitment to national unity, democratic values and constitutional principles.
Pathania said that the Tricolour is not merely the national flag but a powerful embodiment of the country's unity, sovereignty, democratic aspirations and the sacrifices made by generations of Indians.
He said the spirit of the Tiranga has acquired a special resonance in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly with the unfurling of the national flag at Lal Chowk, Srinagar, and stressed that the Tricolour should continue to fly with pride across the length and breadth of the country—from Lal Chowk in Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
“The Tiranga represents the aspirations of every Indian. It reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices through which our democratic institutions and national unity have been strengthened. It is our responsibility to uphold these democratic values and pass this legacy on to the coming generations,” Pathania said.
The MLA called upon the youth to understand the deeper meaning of the national flag and the democratic principles it represents. He said patriotism should go beyond ceremonial celebrations and inspire citizens to contribute positively to society and the nation.
Pathania also emphasised the need to preserve the spirit of unity and fraternity among people, saying that the country's strength lies in its diversity and the collective resolve of its citizens. He urged people to remain committed to peace, development, democratic participation and the integrity of the nation.
He said that the journey of India's democracy has been shaped by the struggles and sacrifices of countless known and unsung citizens. “We must remember those struggles, respect the institutions created through them and ensure that democratic values remain at the heart of our public life,” he added.
Reema Padha, senior BJP leader, also remained present on the occasion and addressed the enthusiastic gathering. She appreciated the overwhelming participation of the people and said that programmes such as the Tiranga Yatra strengthen the feeling of national unity and reinforce the message of patriotism among the younger generation.
The procession moved from Shri Kala Mata Mandir, Tikri, towards Gol Mela and Rounmail, with participants carrying the Tricolour and raising patriotic slogans. The long serpentine rally, featuring motorcycles, cars, tractors and a decorated barge, generated considerable enthusiasm among residents along the route.
Among those present were Lalita Sharma, Ashish Sharma, Mohan Lal Sharma and Mohinder Sharma, all Mandal Pradhans; Puran Chand, former DDC; Arti Sharma, Sunita Devi, Vikram Singh, Subhash Sharma, Purshottam Sharma, Balbir Singh, Chander, Sehdev Singh, Purshottam Gupta, Santosh Devi, Krishan Singh Runyal and Surishta Devi, all former Sarpanches; besides Samar Runyal, Capt Surat Singh, Shivani Ram, Kuldip Singh, Chain Singh Dehati, Purshottam Singh, Mangat Ram, Ravinder Singh, Janu Bandral, Deepak Badyal, Gurdev Singh, Aryan Jamwal, Rohit Thakur, Ravinder Jamwal and a large number of other prominent citizens and local residents.
The massive participation in the Tiranga Yatra reflected the enthusiasm of the people and their collective commitment to the values of national unity, patriotism and democracy.