Tiranga bike rally in Odisha's Sambalpur ahead of I-Day to ignite national pride among citizens
Flagged off by Sambalpur Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar at Kacheri Chhak, the rally traversed several key areas of the city before culminating near the historic Samaleswari Temple. The event aimed to spread the message of unity and patriotism as the nation gears up to mark another year of freedom.
Speaking to IANS, Collector Bondar said, 'This initiative seeks to foster a deep sense of national pride among citizens as we approach our 79th Independence Day. Through such events, we aim to remind people of the values our country stands for.'
The rally saw enthusiastic participation from personnel of the police, excise, and fire services departments, as well as volunteers from various civic organisations. Sambalpur Municipal Corporation Commissioner and other senior officials were also present, adding to the fervour of the occasion.
India will celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, 2025. As tradition dictates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hoist the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, followed by the Guard of Honour and the singing of the National Anthem.
The significance of this day dates back to August 15, 1947, when India finally broke free from over two centuries of British colonial rule. On that historic midnight, the nation's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, delivered his iconic 'Tryst with Destiny' speech, ushering in a new era of sovereignty.
The roots of British dominance trace back to 1619, when the East India Company first established itself in Surat. Following their decisive victory in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the Company gradually assumed control over the Indian subcontinent, laying the foundation for imperial rule.
Independence Day stands not just as a tribute to freedom fighters but as a celebration of India's journey as a democratic republic. It serves as a reminder of the nation's commitment to justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity -- values enshrined in the Constitution.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
5 minutes ago
- The Hindu
TDP's Pulivendula victory, a win for Democracy: minister
Minister for Home and Vizianagaram district in-charge, Vangalapudi Anitha on Thursday said that the people of Pulivendula have experienced the true form of democracy first time in history. She said that the Telugu Desam Party's victory in Pulivendula was a democratic milestone. She appreciated the police department for sensitively handling the elections despite numerous challenges. Speaking to media, she said that the police personnel performed their duties fearlessly, even though the YSRCP leaders tried to create law and order problem in Pulivendula, Kadapa district. She accused former chief minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy of misusing the police department while in power. Earlier in the day, along with Minister Kondapalli Srinivas and Collector B. R. Ambedkar, she reviewed developmental activities in the district. Ms. Anitha announced that 150 buses would be made available for free travel for women under the ''Stree Shakti,'' which will commence from August 15, Independence Day.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
5 minutes ago
- First Post
Why India is watching the Alaska summit closely
As India prepares to celebrate its Independence Day, it is undoubtedly keeping its eye on the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska. But why does India have a stake in the successful outcome of the meeting between Putin and Trump? What do experts say? Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska tomorrow (August 15). And India is watching closely. As India prepares to celebrate its Independence Day, it is undoubtedly keeping its eye on the events that are occurring nearly 10,000 kilometers away in the last Frontier State. But why does India have a stake in the successful outcome of the meeting between Putin and Trump? Let's take a closer look: New Delhi's position on the war From the beginning of the Ukraine war in 2022, New Delhi has taken a consistent and pragmatic position – the war must end through dialogue and diplomacy. This is a sentiment Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly voiced over the years. Perhaps none more memorably than in October 2022 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Samarkand. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Modi, meeting Putin, told the Russian president 'this is not the era of war'. 'I know that today's era is not an era of war, and I have spoken to you on the phone about this', Modi said. 'We've spoken to you many times on the phone before on this, that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue — these things help the world. In the coming days, we will get the chance to talk about how to move on to the road to peace, I will also get the chance to better understand your viewpoint.' Putin at the time responded, 'I know your position on the conflict in Ukraine, the concerns that you constantly express. We will do everything to stop this as soon as possible.' Modi and India's message was even reflected in the declaration of the Bali G20 Summit in 2022. Modi also conveyed a similar message to Putin during his trip to Russia in July 2024 – which came just after a Russian airstrike on a children's Hospital in Kyiv left over three dozen dead. Modi, addressing Putin as his dear friend, said peace is 'of utmost importance' and a solution to the war in Ukraine 'cannot be found on the battlefield'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly voiced the sentiment that the war must end via dialogue and diplomacy. 'I know that war cannot solve problems, solutions and peace talks can't succeed among bombs, guns and bullets. And we need to find a way to peace through dialogue,' Modi said at the Kremlin. 'When innocent children are murdered, one sees them die, the heart pains and that pain is unbearable', he added. He repeated the message when he visited Poland last year for a two-day trip and met Indian diaspora. Modi before the trip said he would 'share perspectives' on a peaceful resolution of the conflict. 'As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region,' Modi said. He repeated 'this is not an era of war' and any conflict should be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. The Ministry of External Affairs also reiterated this message after news of the Trump-Putin summit emerged. 'As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said on several occasions, 'This is not an era of war'', the MEA said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Opportunity to ease tensions with US The Trump-Putin summit could also ease tensions between India and the United States over the purchase of Russian crude oil. Trump has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India for its trade relationship with Russia and accused New Delhi of fuelling Russia's war in Ukraine. India has hit back calling the levies 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.' New Delhi has also pointed out that prior to the war, India bought a fraction of its crude from Moscow and that it began doing so with US encouragement, which also kept the price of crude under control for the world. It also pointed to the hypocrisy of the United States and Europe continuing to trade with Russia. It has said it has placed the national interest above all else and will continue to do so. This was backed up by the Kremlin with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying, 'Sovereign countries should have and do have the right to choose their own trading partners.' Trump has also ruled out further trade talks with India until the 'crude oil issue is resolved'. The development came in the backdrop of India and the United States trying to negotiate a trade deal. The United States has been pushing hard to for India to open up its sensitive dairy and agricultural sector. Senior US officials have said that Trump and the entire trade team are frustrated by New Delhi's insistence of a red line on agriculture. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A Russian crude oil tanker transits the Bosphorus in Istanbul. Reuters India's interest in a breakthrough in Alaska is clear. If Trump and Putin agreed to a ceasefire, the US-led West may roll back some sanctions on Russia. This in turn will help India, which is an important trading partner of Russia, to continue purchasing Russian oil. India has saved billions over the past few years as it buys crude oil from Russia, which has been placed under a cap and not sanctioned by the West. Experts have said that India's crude oil bill could rise between $1.5 billion and $12 billion in the coming years if it stops buying Russian crude. They have warned that doing so would be 'logistically daunting, economically painful and geopolitically fraught'. 'The pivot away from Russia, if forced, will be costly, complex and politically fraught', data firm Kpler wrote. Trade deal negotiations could restart It will also relieve some pressure off Trump himself, who has seemingly grown frustrated with Putin in recent months. Trump came to office vowing to end the war 'within 24 hours'. 'We get a lot of bullshit thrown at us by Putin, if you want to know the truth', Trump said in July. 'We're not happy with Putin. I'm not happy with Putin. I can tell you that much right now, because he's killing a lot of people.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump can tout any breakthrough in Alaska with Putin as a victory. He can roll back tariffs on India and allow the trade deal negotiations to restart. US President Donald Trump and some of his officials from the administration have been pressuring India to forego its oil trade with Russia. File image/Reuters US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday that several major trade deals, including those with Switzerland and India, remain pending, remarking that New Delhi had been 'a bit recalcitrant' in its negotiations with Washington. Bessent has said that the Trump administration hopes to conclude the trade negotiations by the end of October. Modi, in his first response to Trump's move, has vowed never to compromise on the interests of India's farmers, even if it meant paying a heavy political price. 'Our farmers' welfare is paramount,' Modi said at an event in New Delhi. 'India will never compromise on the wellbeing of its farmers, dairy sector, or fishermen — and I know I may have to pay a heavy price for standing firm on this.' Keeping options open, Russia relationship A ceasefire or a peace deal in Alaska would allow India to keep its options wide open when it comes to balancing its global affairs. New Delhi has remained neutral on the Russia-Ukraine war at international forums such as the United Nations despite pressures from the US-led West. New Delhi has done so because it has friends on both sides of the aisle. India has also volunteered to act as a bridge, if possible, between Russia and Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India as a developing power also needs to ensure friendly relations with major powers like the United States, the European Union, China. However, it cannot sacrifice its relationship with Russia, which goes back decades, to do so. India is reliant on Russia for a lot more than oil. In fact much of India's military hardware still comes from Russia. The S-400 air defence system'. Reuters As Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has written, 'India was the world's second largest arms importer in 2020–24 with an 8.3 per cent share of global imports. Indian arms imports decreased by 9.3 per cent between 2015–19 and 2020–24, at least partly due to India's increasing ability to design and produce its own weapons.' Russia still comprises over a third of India's arm imports. Though India is buying more from Western suppliers particularly France, Israel and the United States, New Delhi possibly replacing Moscow a as a major arms supplier remains years away at best. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is a testament to the long and enduring relationship with Moscow going back to the 1960s when the United States was far more predisposed towards Pakistan. What do experts say? They say many in India remain a supporter of Russia – and with good reason. 'Many Indians still find Russia today, because of the history, a reliable partner,' Harsh V Pant of the Observer Research Foundation told The Times of India. 'Many in India believe that America has always been more favourably disposed towards Pakistan.' Indian diplomats such as Pankaj Saran and DB Venkatesh Varma said that the summit could be 'defining and potentially transformative'. 'It is a defining and potentially transformative summit for the world, specially for India. Our ties with both countries are integral to the success of our national development and security goals. India should extend its full support to the summit,' Saran said. 'The Alaska summit could prove to be a turning point at the global level and India has a vital interest in its success,' Verma added.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
5 minutes ago
- First Post
Operation Sindoor showcased India's steely resolve and self-reliance in defence, says President Murmu
The president said that with 6.5 per cent GDP growth and world-leading digital payment adoption, India is charting a confident path toward becoming a developed economy On the eve of the 79th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, extending her heartfelt greetings to all citizens and reflecting on India's journey since independence. President Murmu paid tribute to the sacrifices of freedom fighters, celebrated the country's democratic values, highlighted achievements in economy, technology, defence and social empowerment and called for unity, integrity and environmental stewardship. Leading her remarks with the nation's decisive response to terrorism, she reaffirmed India's resolve to protect its sovereignty while advancing towards the goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Operation Sindoor: A decisive response 'This year we had to face the scourge of terrorism. Killing innocent citizens on holiday in Kashmir was cowardly and utterly inhuman,' President Murmu said. She added, 'India responded in a decisive manner and with steely resolve. Operation Sindoor showed that our armed forces are prepared to meet any eventuality when it comes to guarding the nation. With strategic clarity and technical capability, they destroyed terrorist hubs across the border. I believe, Operation Sindoor will go down in history as an example in humanity's fight against terrorism.' 'In our response, what was most noticeable was our unity, which is also the most befitting response to those who wanted to divide us,' the President noted. 'Our unity was on display also in the multi-party delegations of the Members of Parliament that reached out to various nations to explain India's position. The world has taken note of India's stance, that we will not be the aggressor, but we will not hesitate to retaliate in defence of our citizens.' 'Operation Sindoor was also a test case of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission in the defence sector,' she said. 'The outcome has proved that we are on the right path. Our indigenous manufacturing has achieved the critical level that makes us self-sufficient in meeting many of our security requirements. These are landmark achievements in India's defence history since Independence.' Remembering struggle and sacrifice 'The 15th of August is a date etched in our collective memory. During the long years of colonial rule, generations of Indians dreamt of the day of independence,' the president said. She recalled, 'Men and women, old and young, from all parts of the country, yearned to throw away the yoke of foreign rule. Their struggle was marked by robust optimism, which has continued to propel our progress since Independence too. As we salute the tricolour tomorrow, we will also be paying homage to the memory of all freedom fighters whose sacrifices won India Independence on the 15th of August, 78 years ago.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'As we look back on the past, we must not forget the pain inflicted by the Partition of the country,' President Murmu added. 'Today we observed Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas. Terrible violence was witnessed, and millions were forced to relocate due to Partition. Today, we pay tributes to the victims of the follies of history.' Democracy and constitutional values 'After regaining our freedom, we also became a democracy with universal adult franchise,' the President said. 'The transition was a natural reflection of our ancient democratic ethos. India had the oldest republics in the world. It is rightly acknowledged as the mother of democracy. When we adopted the Constitution, it provided the edifice of democracy. We built democratic institutions that strengthened the practice of democracy. We prize our Constitution and our democracy above everything else.' She stressed, 'Our Constitution contains four values as the four pillars upholding our democracy. They are – justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. These are our civilisational principles that we re-discovered during the Freedom Struggle. At the heart of them all, I believe, is the notion of human dignity. Every human being is equal, and everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Everyone should have equal access to healthcare and education. Everyone should have equal opportunity. Those who had been traditionally at a disadvantage needed to be given a helping hand.' Economic growth and social welfare 'After the long years of foreign rule, India was in utter poverty at the time of Independence,' President Murmu said. 'But in the 78 years since then, we have made extraordinary progress in all fields. India is well on the way to becoming a self-reliant nation and is moving ahead with great confidence.' 'With a GDP growth rate of 6.5 percent in the last fiscal, India is the fastest growing among the major economies in the world,' she pointed out. 'Even amid stress in the global economy, demand at home is pacing ahead. Inflation has remained under control. Exports are rising. All key indicators show the economy in the pink of health. This is as much due to carefully calibrated reforms and sagacious economic management as due to the hard work and dedication of our workers and farmers.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She added, 'A large number of people have been pulled out of poverty through good governance… Income inequality is reducing. Regional disparities are also disappearing. The States and regions, earlier known for weaker economic performance, are now showing their true potential and catching up with the front-runners.' Infrastructure and connectivity 'Our business leaders, small and medium industries and traders have always exhibited a can-do spirit,' the president said. 'That is so visible when it comes to infrastructure development over the past decade. We have expanded and strengthened the National Highway network under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. The Railways too have innovated, introducing new types of trains and coaches equipped with latest technologies. The inauguration of the rail link in Kashmir valley is a major accomplishment. Rail connectivity with the valley will boost trade and tourism in the region and open new economic possibilities. This engineering marvel at Kashmir is a historic milestone for our country.' Urban development and basic amenities 'The country is rapidly urbanising. Hence, the Government has been paying special attention to improve the conditions of the cities,' President Murmu said. 'The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, or AMRUT, has ensured more and more households have access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection.' She added, 'The Government considers the basic amenities of life as rightful claims of the citizens. The Jal Jeevan Mission is making progress in providing tap water supply to rural households.' Healthcare revolution 'In the healthcare sector, we have been witnessing a paradigm shift with a variety of initiatives under Ayushman Bharat, the largest healthcare scheme of its kind in the world,' the President said. 'This scheme has already provided cover to more than 55 crore people. The government extended this benefit to all senior citizens of the age of 70 years and above, regardless of their income. As inequalities in access are removed, the poor and the lower middle-class also benefit from the best possible health-care facilities.' Digital transformation and AI mission 'In this digital age, it is apt that one sector in India that has seen the most dramatic advances is information technology,' she said. 'Nearly all villages have 4G mobile connectivity, and the remaining few thousands will be covered soon… More than half of the total number of digital transactions in the world take place in India.' She continued, 'Artificial intelligence is the next stage of technological advancement and has already entered our lives. The government has launched the India-AI mission to strengthen the country's AI capabilities… As we aspire to become a global-AI-hub by 2047, our focus will remain on making the best use of the advances in technology for the common people, to improve their lives by improving governance.' Swadeshi spirit 'Last week, on August 7, the country celebrated 'National Handloom Day' which honours our weavers and their products,' the President recalled. 'The idea of Swadeshi has been inspiring our national endeavours like Make-in-India initiative and Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Let us resolve to buy and use Indian products.' Youth, women and social empowerment 'Our youth have finally found the right environment for the realisation of their dreams,' President Murmu said. 'Brimming with a new confidence, our youth are making a mark in sports and games. Chess, for example, is now dominated by India's youngsters like never before.' She added, 'Our daughters are our pride. They are breaching barriers in every field, including in the areas of defence and security… With 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', the empowerment of women is no longer a slogan but a reality.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'People belonging to a major segment of our society comprising Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and other communities are shedding the tag of the marginalised,' she said. 'The Government has been actively helping them to realise their social and economic aspirations with several initiatives.' Call for integrity and good governance 'We are moving ahead towards that future with sustained good governance, and zero tolerance for corruption,' the President said. 'Here I am reminded of an important statement by Mahatma Gandhi. He had noted, and I quote: 'Corruption and hypocrisy ought not to be inevitable products of democracy.' Let us pledge to realise Gandhiji's ideal and weed out corruption.' Environmental responsibility 'I would like to take this opportunity to urge all of you to do what you can, to protect the environment,' President Murmu urged. 'To respond to the challenge of climate change, we must also change. We must change our habits and our world-view. We must change our relationship with our land, rivers, mountains, and with flora and fauna. With contribution from all of us, we will leave behind a planet in which life will be flourishing in natural order.'
