By Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on August 11 urged people to make the national flag a visible expression of their respect for India’s freedom struggle, saying the Tricolour represents the country’s honour, pride and glory. Addressing a gathering in Gorakhpur ahead of a Tiranga Yatra, he called on citizens to participate in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and display the flag at their homes with dignity and pride.
Adityanath said the campaign is not merely about hoisting the national flag but also about remembering the sacrifices of those who fought for India’s independence. He recalled the evolution of India’s national symbols during the freedom movement and said the Tricolour continues to carry the spirit of the struggle for independence.
Yogi leads Tiranga Yatra in Gorakhpur
The nearly 2.5-kilometre Tiranga Yatra began from the Nagar Nigam premises and concluded at Railway Station Chowk. Adityanath joined the padyatra carrying the Tricolour and walking under the message of “Nation First.”
Before the march began, the Chief Minister paid floral tribute to Veerangana Maharani Lakshmibai at her statue located on the Nagar Nigam premises. He remembered her contribution to India’s freedom struggle and the sacrifices made by revolutionaries across the country.
Adityanath said the national flag had played an important role in inspiring people during the freedom movement. He referred to the Swadeshi movement of 1905 and the use of the charkha as a symbol during the freedom struggle before the present national flag was formally adopted after Independence.
Har Ghar Tiranga linked to citizens’ right to hoist flag
The Chief Minister said that in the past, citizens faced legal restrictions and disputes over displaying the national flag. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with connecting the act of hoisting the Tricolour with the rights of ordinary citizens.
The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, launched in 2022, has since grown into a nationwide initiative encouraging people to display the national flag at their homes. Adityanath said the campaign has gained greater participation each year and can help younger generations connect with the country’s history.
Tribute to freedom fighters
Recalling the freedom struggle, Adityanath mentioned several figures associated with different phases of India’s fight against British rule, including Mangal Pandey, Bandhu Singh, Rani Lakshmibai, Tatya Tope and Dhan Singh Kotwal.
He also highlighted the 1922 Chauri Chaura incident in Gorakhpur, describing it as a significant event that shook British authority in the region.
The Chief Minister said many revolutionaries had not received adequate recognition in earlier years. He claimed that memorials, institutions and roads were not sufficiently named after several freedom fighters and said the present government was working to honour their contribution.
Five crore homes targeted for flag campaign
Adityanath asked participants to take the Tricolour carried during the yatra to their homes and upload selfies with the national flag as part of the campaign.
He said the Uttar Pradesh government has set a target of hoisting the Tricolour at five crore homes this year. He added that government and semi-government buildings, along with private, commercial and business establishments, would also participate in the flag campaign.
Calling the initiative a tribute to the country’s martyrs, Adityanath said the widespread display of the Tricolour should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for India’s freedom and strengthen the spirit of national pride among citizens.
