New Delhi, 12 August (H.S.): Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat called upon young people and citizens to come together and contribute to nation-building, urging them to pledge their commitment to transforming India into a developed nation.

Addressing the Tiranga Yatra organised with the resolve of building a Viksit Bharat, Shekhawat said the Tricolour represents India’s diversity while binding the country together through the spirit of unity. He urged every citizen to take the national flag as a symbol of inspiration and dedicate themselves to the goal of building a developed India.

Shekhawat said that as the country moves towards completing 100 years of independence, it seeks to pay a true tribute to the countless freedom fighters who made the supreme sacrifice for India’s independence. He said the most meaningful way to honour their sacrifices is for citizens to pledge to transform India into a developed nation and work collectively towards achieving that goal.

He emphasised that the Tiranga Yatra is not merely a procession carrying the national flag, but a broader campaign conveying messages of national unity, patriotic pride and civic responsibility. Through the initiative, efforts are being made to connect citizens, particularly the younger generation, with the values of the freedom movement and their responsibility towards nation-building.

Highlighting the significance of this year’s celebrations, Shekhawat said the country is also commemorating the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’. The national song played a powerful role in inspiring patriotism and motivating people to participate in the struggle for India’s independence.

He said marking 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’ alongside the Tiranga Yatra provides an important opportunity to acquaint the younger generation with the ideals and values that shaped the freedom movement. He added that national programmes in 2026 are placing particular emphasis on commemorating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’.

The Tiranga Yatra is part of nationwide celebrations aimed at promoting patriotism and national unity around Independence Day. It is primarily organised under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign between August 9 and August 15 across the country.

The Ministry of Culture is serving as the nodal ministry for the initiative and is coordinating with state governments, Union Territories, educational institutions and civil society organisations to ensure broad-based public participation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar