On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the fortnight-long celebrations of India’s 70th Independence Day from revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad’s birthplace in Madhya Pradesh.
The Prime Minister will visit Azad’s native Bhavra village in Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh on 9 August and formally inaugurate the celebrations by paying homage to the freedom fighter.Venkaiah Naidu, Union Minister
Naidu said all ministers “without exception” will visit the birthplaces of national icons and places associated with India’s independence movement, such as Jallianwala Bagh, Chauri Chaura, Cellular Jail in Andaman islands, Sabarmati Ashram and Dandi.
Naidu will be visiting the August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai on 9 August, as it marks the 75th anniversary of the Quit India movement.
BJP President Amit Shah will visit Kakori in Uttar Pradesh where the revolutionaries looted a train carrying government money on 9 August 1925.
Naidu said the places each minister will visit have been finalised.
The government has planned an elaborate fortnight-long programme, being called ‘70 Saal Azadi – Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani’ (70 years of Independence – Let’s recall the sacrifices).
Naidu said the 15-day event will showcase the plurality and diversity of India through various modes and platforms and incorporating the voices and sentiments of the people.
He requested all the political parties to participate in the programme.
On 18 August, the Rakshabandhan day, all women Union ministers and BJP Mahila Morcha members would tie ‘rakhis’ on the wrists of soldiers deployed in border areas and other places, he said.