Independence Day and Kashmir
The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has helped many young Kashmiris become familiar with the Indian National Flag. Earlier, its celebration in Kashmir was minimal due to violence and turmoil. Today, however, we see the national flag proudly waving in most towns, with towering 108-feet masts flying it day and night. The Har Ghar Tiranga movement has found a lasting place in Kashmir, embraced with pride and honour.
National Days of every country should be respected, as they are profound symbols of unity, pride, and national integrity. Occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day are historic milestones and a tribute to those who contributed to building the nation. We must celebrate these days to foster a sense of belonging among citizens and to strengthen their connection to the nation and their shared heritage.
The region of Jammu and Kashmir offers a poignant example of the evolving significance of National Days. Before the 1990s, these days were celebrated with enthusiasm through school events, public speeches, and community gatherings, fostering a strong sense of belonging to the broader Indian identity. However, the rise of violence in the 1990s made hindrances in the celebration of these National Days.
The abrogation of Article 370 was a turning point in restoring normalcy in the region, bringing a remarkable resurgence in National Day celebrations. Flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and community events are now marked by enthusiastic participation from schoolchildren, local communities, and public institutions. Rallies, reminiscent of pre-1990 celebrations, march not for separation but for peace, nationalism, and unity.
The government’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign has made the national flag widely recognized and its waving a common sight across the Valley. In many districts, towering 108-feet-tall flags now stand as beacons of patriotism. Social media is filled with images and videos of Kashmiri youth proudly displaying the Tiranga, even using it as their profile picture. Schools, offices, and neighbourhoods come alive with the national anthem, uniting people in a shared moment of pride.
This transformation sends a clear message: the colours of the Indian flag now shine brighter in Kashmir. The fear once associated with displaying the Tiranga has given way to open expressions of respect and love for national symbols. Today, the national flag represents the hopes, aspirations, and unity of the people.
Most importantly, the participation of previously alienated youth, without any fear in these celebrations is highly significant. Cultural events, sports competitions, and public gatherings not only promote unity but also strengthen the bond between the younger generation and the nation. The celebrations serve as a reminder that those who once misled Kashmiris with divisive ideologies were exploiting them for political gain, robbing them of education, peace, and opportunity.
Today, the youth are reclaiming their voice, guided by a renewed awareness of their national identity. National symbols, the flag, the anthem, and the national song, are now embraced as expressions of dignity, sacrifice, and unity. They embody the struggles of the past and the vision of a peaceful, prosperous future.
Over the past thirty years, Kashmir endured extremism, unrest, and a fractured sense of nationhood. Many young people were led astray, resulting in loss of lives and property. The shift after 2019 has replaced alienation with participation, and fear with pride. Independence Day celebrations in Kashmir today represent liberation not only from colonial rule in 1947 but also from decades of violence, stone-pelting, and radicalization.
The abrogation of Article 370 has also conveyed a strong message that violence has no place and terrorism will be met with zero tolerance. The focus now lies on peace, integration, and development. This renewed spirit is reflected in public spaces adorned with the national flag and in the growing involvement of communities in patriotic observances.
National Days in Kashmir now serve as a bridge, uniting communities across cultural, religious, and linguistic divides. They highlight the democratic values, freedoms, and inclusivity that define India. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, participation in these events reinforces the idea that they are integral to the world’s largest democracy.
These commemorations also serve as a platform to reflect on shared responsibilities. The towering national flag in public squares and government buildings stands as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by countless martyrs, including members of the armed forces, to ensure that the tricolour continues to fly with pride.
Through peaceful celebrations and public displays of national symbols, the people of Kashmir express their commitment to coexistence and national unity. This change reflects a growing willingness to move beyond the divisions of the past and work toward an inclusive, peaceful society. The national flag now symbolises security, stability, and a promise of a better future for the region.
The revival of National Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir is not just a matter of tradition, it is a statement of transformation. It signals a break from an era of fear and an embrace of a shared identity within the Indian nation. In every fluttering flag, in every collective rendition of the national anthem, lies the story of a region reclaiming its place in the national narrative.
