Full dress rehearsals held across Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 13: In a vibrant display of patriotism and unity, the full-dress rehearsal for the much-anticipated 78th Independence Day celebrations on August 15 unfolded today across Kashmir.

This rehearsal, the culmination of weeks of dedicated practice, organized across all district headquarters of Kashmir offered a sneak peek into the grand spectacle set to dazzle the Valley on a momentous day to exhibit the pride of the nation.

On the occasion, rich tributes were paid to the leaders, freedom fighters and martyrs who made countless sacrifices for the freedom of the country. Glorifying their contributions, it was said that it is the result of their supreme efforts that we are living in a free country.

In Srinagar, the full dress rehearsal was held at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar where Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri hoisted the National Flag, inspected parade contingents and took a salute at March Past from the Parade Commander and various Contingents.

The full dress rehearsal exhibited the overall preparation of the administration regarding the celebration of Independence Day at the main venue in Kashmir Division.

Addressing the gathering, the divisional commissioner highlighted the meticulous arrangements made for the participants of I-Day at Bakhshi Stadium including seating arrangements, facilities for drinking water, sanitation and toilets.

He also spoke about developmental achievements, increasing road connectivity, supply of electricity to Gurez through the power grid, the progress of Jal Shakti Schemes, online services and JK Samadhan Portal to monitor grievances.

Further, he said J&K is emerging as a leader on the developmental front in the nation as the GDP has doubled in the last few years.

On the occasion, the contingents of the BSF Brass Band, CRPF, SSB, ITBP, JKP, JKAP, IRP, Women Police, SDRF, Fire & Emergency, Forest Protection Force, Police Pipe Band, Brass Band participated in the parade. The contingents were led by Parade Commander SSP, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, Commandant JKAP 9th Bn.

While student contingents of Sainik School Manasbal, NCC Group Boys Srinagar, NCC Group Girls Srinagar, Government Girls High Secondary School Nishat, Police Public School Boys Srinagar, Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Kothibagh, Government Girls Higher Secondary School Nawakadal and Kashmir Harvard Higher Secondary School, Srinagar also participated in the parade of Full Dress Rehearsal.

Given I-Day, various cultural programmes were presented by the Academy of Art Culture and Languages, J&K Sports Council and Department of Social Welfare which showcased the spirit of Nationalism and Patriotism besides displaying the cultural diversity of the nation and Jammu and Kashmir to highlight the thriving democracy.

Besides, IGP Kashmir, V K Birdi; IGP Central Kashmir Range, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Additional Commissioner Kashmir, SSP Srinagar, ADCs of Srinagar, Senior officers of CRPF, BSF, other security agencies and officers of Divisional and District Administration were present on the occasion.

In Anantnag, the full dress rehearsal was held at Shaheed Himayun Muzzamil Memorial Government Degree College Anantnag, where Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Anantnag, Abdul Aziz Sheikh took the salute at the march past.

The march past was presented by the contingents from CRPF, J&K Police, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, Fire & Emergency, NCC and various schools. On the occasion, colourful cultural programmes on patriotic themes were presented by the students from various educational institutions.

The full dress rehearsal was attended by senior officers of the district administration including the Additional Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners of Revenue, Development and Panchayats, District Information Officer, Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Executive Engineers of various engineering wings, Tehsildar Anantnag, officers from police and members of the general public.

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest highlighted the achievements of the district under various priority areas including education, healthcare, social sector schemes, agriculture, women and youth empowerment, MGNREGA, water and electricity supply to Anganwadi Centres and schools, rural development, macadamization and road connectivity, Nasha Mukt Bharat, industries, and self-employment.

The importance of flagship programmes like Swachhta Pakhwada was also highlighted on the occasion.

In Baramulla, the full dress rehearsal was held at Showkat Ali Sports Stadium Baramulla, providing a preview of the grand festivities that will take place on the special day.

Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Baramulla, Syed Qamar Sajad, who was the chief guest on the occasion, ceremoniously hoisted the national flag and took a salute at the March Past.

During the ceremony, the ADDC inspected the parade, featuring contingents from the BSF, J&K Police, Sashastra Seema Bal, Home Guards, J&K Police Band, as well as NCC cadets from Government Degree College Baramulla, Boys' Higher Secondary Baramulla, and various other schools and colleges.

In his address at the event, the ADDC emphasized the significance of Independence Day in Indian history and highlighted Baramulla's outstanding achievements across various sectors over the past year.

Students from various schools from across the district took centre stage, showcasing a vibrant array of cultural performances rooted deeply in patriotic themes, celebrating India's rich heritage and diversity.

In Ganderbal, the full dress rehearsal was held at Qamriya Ground Ganderbal, where Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Ganderbal, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani hoisted the tricolour, took the salute at the march-past and inspected the parade.

The ADDC expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by various departments for the hassle-free celebration of the national event at the venue.

The march-past was presented by the contingents of JKP, CRPF, SSB, PTS Manigam, Home Guards, SPO Ganderbal, and students of various schools.

On the occasion, a colourful cultural show was presented by the students, who also presented patriotic songs and folk dance.

In his address, the ADDC lauded the importance of the Independence Day celebration and highlighted the various developmental activities registered by different departments in the district adding that the district administration endeavours to facilitate all-round and equal development in the district.

He urged all to participate in the celebrations of the upcoming Independence Day with enthusiasm and patriot fervour.

The event was witnessed by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Gulzar Ahmad, ASP Ganderbal, ACD, CEO, and Executive Engineer R&B, besides other district and sectoral officers.

In Pulwama, A full dress rehearsal for Independence Day 2024 was held at District Police Lines (DPL) Pulwama today. Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Pulwama hoisted the National Flag and took a salute at the march past.

The parade was attended by senior officers and featured contingents from various security forces and schools. The participants showcased their marching skills and discipline, and the event was marked by patriotic fervour.

The rehearsal was followed by a colourful cultural program, which included performances by local artists and students. The program showcased the rich cultural heritage of the region and added to the festive atmosphere.

The rehearsal was held to ensure that all arrangements were in place for the smooth conduct of the Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2024.

In Kulgam, the full dress rehearsal was held at District Police Lines Kulgam where Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Kulgam, Bashir Ahmad Wani hoisted the tricolor, took the salute at the march-past and inspected the parade.

The march-past was presented by the contingents of JKP, CRPF and students of various schools.

In his address, the ADDC highlighted the historical background of the day and also listed the achievements and progress made in various schemes/ programmes by various departments in the district.

The full dress rehearsal also witnessed a colorful cultural show presented by the students, who also presented patriotic songs and folk dance.

The event was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Vikar Ahmad Giri; ACD, CEO, Dy-SPs, Executive Engineer R&B, besides other district and sectoral officers.

In Bandipora, the full dress rehearsal for the Independence Day celebrations 2024 was successfully conducted across the district, with meticulous arrangements and enthusiastic participation from all stakeholders.

The main function of the full dress rehearsal was held at SK Stadium Bandipora where Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Bandipora, Mohammad Ashraf Bhatt hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade, and took the salute at the march-past.

The parade contingents included CRPF 3rd battalion, J&K Executive Police, J&K-IRP, JKP Women Platoon District Police Bandipora, J&K Fire and Emergency, SPOs, Home Guard, NCC, Army Goodwill School Bandipora, High School Bagh, Higher Secondary Quil Muqam, Gujjar & Bakerwal Hostel, Space Age Model School, Higher Secondary Aloosa, Higher Secondary Aragam, Higher Secondary School Nadihal, HSS Arin, and IDPS, followed by the Police Band Group.

In his address, ADDC highlighted the importance of Independence Day celebrations and presented the developmental profile of the district. He emphasized that the district administration, along with all departments, is working in mission mode for the welfare of the public and the implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level.

Bhatt expressed satisfaction with the preparedness and encouraged all participants to maintain the same level of enthusiasm and discipline for the main event.

ADC Bandipora Umar Shafi Pandit, ACR Bandipora, ACD, DySP DAR, DIO, heads of various departments, district officers, and senior officers were present at the event.

A full dress rehearsal function was also held at the Mini Secretariat Bandipora, where the Assistant Commissioner of Revenue hoisted the National flag. All the panchayats and blocks of the district also witnessed full dress rehearsal functions, including Sub Division Sumbal and Gurez.

In Shopian, a full dress rehearsal in the run-up to the 78th Independence Day celebrations was held with great enthusiasm amid the vibrant participation of people at District Police Lines, Shopian.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Zakir Hussain Faaz hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and took a salute at March Past from the contingents of Police, CRPF, Fire & Emergency, Forest, Homeguards, NCC and students from different schools of the district.

The ADC in his address appreciated and expressed gratitude towards the national heroes who contributed to the cherished history of the nation due to which values of unity, diversity, and inclusivity that our nation stands for, flourished.

He commended the district administration, security forces, and participants for their hard work and dedication to their services in the district.

On the occasion, colourful cultural shows were presented by the students featuring varied art performances depicting the rich cultural norms of the society.

District heads of different departments and Police and Paramilitary forces were also present on the occasion, besides hundreds of employees, the general public and students.

In Kupwara, the full dress rehearsal for the celebration of Independence Day- 2024 was held at District Police Lines (DPL) Zangli Kupwara where Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara, Mohammad Rouf Rehman took salute at the march past.

The parade consisted of contingents drawn from JKP, JKAP, CRPF, BSF, and Forest Protection force and school students. Pipe and Brass bands of BSF JKP, JKAP and Army played tunes to the march past.