India: Monumental national flag unfurled in Leh
The grand ceremony celebrates 152nd birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation
Srinagar: Army’s Fire and Fury Corps organised a historic event on Saturday at Leh Garrison, where a monumental national flag was unfurled by R.K. Mathur, LG of Ladakh, on the hill overlooking Leh valley.
General M.M. Naravane, Chief of the Army Staff and Lieutenant General Y.K. Joshi, GOC-in-C Northern Command also attended the event. Lieutenant General PGKA Menon, GOC, Fire and Fury Corps and senior military and civil officials were also present.
The grand ceremony was held to celebrate the 152nd birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi alongwith ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, commemorating 75th anniversary of India’s Independence.
“The flag which was unfurled is the largest hand woven and hand spun cotton Khadi Flag ever manufactured in India, measuring 225 ft by 150 ft and weighing 1,000 kg,” the army said.
“The flag is made by Khadi Dyers and Printers based in Mumbai which is affiliated to Khadi Village and Industries Commission.”
Sura-Soi Engineer Regiment was entrusted with the responsibility to bring the national flag from Mumbai to Leh and also with the daunting task of installing the National Flag at the top of the high mountains overlooking Leh for the unveiling ceremony.
“The ceremony included a series of events to mark the momentous occasion. The event commenced with the Brass Band of Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre alongwith students of Ladakh Ignited Minds, performing the National Anthem when the flag was unveiled,” army said.
Advanced Light Helicopters of the Army Aviation Squadron carried out a fly past and showered flower petals over the national flag.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, saying his life and ideas will inspire every generation to walk the path of their duties.
"I bow to respected Bapu on Gandhi Jayanti. His noble principles are globally relevant and give strength to millions," he added.
The prime minister visited Raj Ghat and Vijay Ghat, memorials to Gandhi and India's second prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, respectively, to pay floral tributes to them.
He paid homage to Shastri on his 117th birth anniversary.
His life based on values and principles will always be a source of inspiration for all citizens, Modi tweeted.
An interfaith prayer meeting was held at Raj Ghat, where Mahtma Gandhi's favourite devotional songs were rendered.