Members of Jamait-e-Ulema-e-Hind take out a peace march on Sunday in Vadodara ahead of Independence Day. (Express photo by Bhupendra Rana)
India will be celebrating 70 years of freedom from colonial rule this Independence Day. PM Narendra Modi, who will address the nation from the Red Fort on August 15, has received suggestions from the public on inputs to be included in his speech. Education, cleanliness, environment, digitisation and women's education are the top themes. (Express photo by Bhupendra Rana)
READ For Independence Day address, PM Narendra Modi receives suggestions on education, cleanliness, environment
Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar has directed all states to organise events in schools that help in creating a ‘patriotic mood’ and ‘mass fervour’ in the country. Apart from the customary oath, the Centre has advised schools to organise quiz competitions on the struggle for Independence and the country’s development, as well as painting competitions on the theme.
(Express photo by Bhupendra Rana)
READ Independence Day celebrations: Centre asks states to create ‘patriotic mood’ in schools to realise PM Modi’s ‘New India’ vision, West Bengal says no
The Uttar Pradesh government has directed all madrassas in the state to hold celebrations on Independence Day and videograph the event. According to an official circular, students will sing songs on nationalism and will be told about the history behind the day as well as about freedom fighters. Besides, cultural programmes will be organised on the theme of national unity, along with sports activities.
(Express photo by Bhupendra Rana)
READ Clerics divided on UP government’s order to madrassas to videograph I-Day celebrations
Reacting to the directive, All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli said to PTI, “If you (the UP govt) have issued the same order and directives for all schools, colleges and educational institutes, then we have no objection. If it is only for madrassas, then it seems to be an unusual order. If it is only in madrassas, does it mean that our patriotism is being suspected?” (Express photo by Bhupendra Rana)
Students Of Anjuman E Islam High School rehearse for Independence Day in Ahmedabad On Sunday. (Express photo Javed Raja)