75 years of Independence: PM Modi to inaugurate Amrut Mahotsav, flag off Dandi March today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav', the government's initiative to mark 75 years of India's Independence. Modi said the 75th anniversary celebrations will continue till August 15, 2023. He also flagged off the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram on the beginning of the glorious Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. The padyatra will be joined by different groups of people on the way to Dandi. It will conclude on April 5.
It was on March 12, 1930 that Gandhiji began the Dandi March from Sabarmati Ashram against the Salt Laws along with 81 padyatris. During the Padyatra, the Padyatris will stay at the place of night halt and the Padyatra will start from the same place the next day.
After landing at Ahmedabad airport, Modi drove to Sabarmati Ashram, where he paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. He also visited Hriday Kunj, the house in the Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi stayed with his wife Kasturba from 1918 to 1930. Modi wrote in the visitors' book that the Mahotsav is a tribute to our freedom fighters and freedom struggle.
"By coming to the Sabarmati Ashram and with the inspiration of Bapu, my determination for nation building is strengthened," the Prime Minister wrote. "Mahatma Gandhi gave the message of atma-nirbharta (self-reliance) and atma-vishwas (self-confidence) from here," Modi wrote.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is a tribute by our people to our freedom fighters and freedom movement. During the celebrations the country will not only remember all the important milestones, important times during the freedom movement but also gain new energy for development of our future, Modi wrote.
"I am confident that with the blessings of Bapu, we Indians will follow our duties and achieve the goals set during this Amrit Mahotsav," he added. Modi then went to the venue of the cultural programme adjacent to the Ashram.
"Todays #AmritMahotsav programme begins from Sabarmati Ashram, from where the Dandi March began. The March had a key role in furthering a spirit of pride and Aatmanirbharta among Indias people. Going #VocalForLocal is a wonderful tribute to Bapu and our great freedom fighters," Modi tweeted before the launch of the celebrations.
"Buy any local product and post a picture on social media using #VocalForLocal. A Charkha will be installed near Magan Niwas at Sabarmati Ashram. It will rotate full circle with each Tweet related to Aatmanirbharta. This shall also become a catalyst for a peoples movement," Modi tweeted before the Mahotsav launch.
The Central government has constituted a committee under Union Home Minister Amit Shah to chalk out policies and planning of various events to be undertaken as part of the celebrations. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Chief Minister Vijay Rupani were present at the launch of the celebrations.
State and Union Territories governments are also organising events all over India from today. In addition to these programs, the Archaeological Survey of India and Zonal Cultural Centres under the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Youth Affairs and TRIFED have planned various activities to mark the occasion.
