SURAT - A massive turnout of locals marked the Tiranga Pad Yatra in Udhna, Surat. Organized by the Surat Municipal Corporation as a part of their "Har Ghar Tiranga" campaign under the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav", the march saw thousands of participants, from children to adults, walking hand in hand, waving the national flag and echoing patriotic slogans.
The event witnessed a star-studded list of participants. Among the key figures were Hemali Bogawala, the First Citizen of Surat, Union Minister Darshana Zardosh, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi, and Environment Minister Mukesh Patel. Additionally, Navsari MP, State President C.R. Patil, and Mayor of Surat made their presence felt, contributing to the palpable enthusiasm, especially among BJP supporters.
Sanghvi, in his remarks, highlighted the sea change in the country's patriotic fervor. Reminiscing about the previous year, he mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tribute to the nation's freedom fighters and soldiers during the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence. Sanghvi noted the widespread display of patriotism, stating that there was hardly any corner of the country, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, that did not see the tricolor being hoisted.
Adding weight to his observations, Sanghvi shared an incident where the family of a top-listed terrorist in Kashmir proudly hoisted the Indian tricolor. This, he believed, is emblematic of the shifting nationalistic sentiments, contrasting the pre-2014 period when Pakistani flags were often spotted in areas like Lal Chowk in Kashmir. Today, according to Sanghvi, Indian flags are proudly flown in these very regions, symbolizing a rejuvenated spirit of patriotism, reminiscent of the emotions felt during the time of independence.
