Focus on 'COVID-19 warriors' on Independence Day, Centre tells states

The main requirement for all programmes will be to avoid large congregation of people

independence day bhanu Representational image | Bhanu Prakash Chandra

Waving of the national flag by people at rooftops and balconies is among the novel ways of celebrating the spirit of bravery and courage in the face of the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to the latest advisory issued by the Union home ministry for Independence Day celebrations in the country.

The Union home ministry has also asked all states and Union territories to recognise the valour and sacrifices of COVID-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers and even “persons cured from COVID infection” by making them special invitees to the Independence Day celebrations in the country on August 15.

The main requirement for all Independence Day programmes will be to avoid large congregation of people and use of technology in the best possible manner for celebration and maximum use of technology, focusing on the theme of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

The events organised could be webcast in order to reach people at large, who are not able to participate, said the home ministry.

The MHA has sent a detailed advisory to all states and Union territories on social distancing norms that need to be followed during the pandemic when Independence Day celebrations are marked in the country at the panchayat, village, district and state levels.

The home ministry has said that states can consider inviting COVID-19 warriors like doctors and sanitation workers in the ceremony “as a recognition of their noble service in fight against COVID-19 pandemic”.

The ceremony at Red Fort will consist of the presentation of a guard of honour by the armed forces and the Delhi Police, prime minister unfurling the national flag accompanied by playing of the national anthem and firing of 21-gun salute, speech by the prime minister, singing of the national anthem immediately after PM's speech and release of tri-coloured balloons at the end.

“Every year, the Independence Day is celebrated with grandeur, gaiety, fervour and enthusiasm. This year also, the Independence Day will be celebrated in a manner befitting the occasion. However, in view of spread of COVID-19 pandemic, while organising various programmes or activities for the Independence Day celebrations, it is imperative to follow certain preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitisation, avoiding large congregations, protecting vulnerable persons,” said the advisory.

The ‘At Home’ reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan will take place as usual. However, a decision on holding of ‘At Home’ reception at Raj Bhawan/Raj Niwas by the governor/Lt. governor on the Independence Day has been left to the discretion of governors or Lt. governors.

In states, the ceremony will commence after 9am with unfurling of the national flag by the chief minister; playing of the national anthem; presentation of guard of honour by the police including paramilitary forces, home guards, NCC, scouts and others and speech by the chief minister and singing of the national anthem.

A similar ceremony will be held at the district level with the unfurling of the national flag by a minister or commissioner or district magistrate who will also give a speech “explaining the significance of 15th August and exhort the audience to work for the unity and integrity of the country and singing of the national anthem”.

At the sub-divisional and block level, a similar effort will be made. At the panchayat level and bigger villages, the ceremonial hoisting of the national flag will be done by the sarpanch or village headman along with playing of the national anthem, followed by a speech by the sarpanch or village headman explaining the significance of August 15 and exhorting the audience to work for the unity and integrity of the country and singing of the national anthem.

COVID-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers and persons cured from COVID-19 infection will also be invited at the panchayat level.

The MHA has also said that the performance of police and military bands may be recorded at places of historic importance associated with Independence movement and recorded versions thereof may be displayed through large screens and digital media during public functions and on social media.

Meanwhile, digital platforms will be used for other activities involving school students like inter-school/inter-college debates; online quiz contests/patriotic essay writing and poetry competitions; launching of any important scheme and singing patriotic songs/delivering patriotic talks by selected children on social media.

Other than tree plantation drives that can be held outside, the illumination of government buildings and state bhawans, thematic webinars, online campaign by NSS and NYKS centred around patriotic themes, or any other activity deemed appropriate by the state government and Union territory administration can be held.

The home ministry had said that other innovative ways of celebrating Independence Day can be considered like propagating patriotic or national integration messages and songs through digital and social media platforms, sound shows/lighting of important public buildings and waving of national flags by people at rooftops/balconies.

The MHA has also said that it would be appropriate that the theme of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" is suitably spread and publicised among the masses through various activities on social media during Independence Day celebrations.