New Delhi: Being aware of the fact that many people would possibly skip from physically appearing to attend the Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort due to Covid19 pandemic, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided that many events could be web-cast in order to reach out people at large.
In Delhi, the ceremony at Red Fort will consist of the presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police to the Prime Minister, unfurling of the National Flag accompanied by playing of the National Anthem and firing of 21-gun salute.
And it will be followed by a speech by the Prime Minister, singing of the National Anthem immediately after the PM's speech, and release of tricoloured balloons at the end. There will be "At Home" reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
The MHA has also dashed a letter to all States and UTs across India in this direction. The Ministry has suggested that performance of police and military bands may be recorded at places of historic importance associated with the Independence movement; and recorded versions thereof may be displayed through large screens and digital media, during public functions and on social media.
"In view of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, while organizing various programmes or activities for the Independence Day celebrations, it is imperative to follow certain preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization, avoiding large congregations, protecting vulnerable persons, etc.; and follow all guidelines related to Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health a Family Welfare," the Ministry said.
“Therefore, all programmes should be organized in a way that large congregations of people are avoided and technology is used in a best possible manner for celebration befitting the occasion,” MHA said in a letter.
The Home Ministry said that Corona warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers should be acknowledged for their work coinciding the Independence Day celebration. Some persons cured of Covid-19 infection may also be invited.
As regards holding of "At Home" reception at Raj Bhawan and Raj Niwas by the Governor and Lt. Governor on the Independence Day, the matter is left to the discretion of Governors and Lt. Governors.
“However, in view of Covid-19 pandemic, preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization, avoiding large congregations, protecting vulnerable groups, etc., and other measures as prescribed and recommended by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, are followed. It would be appropriate that Covid-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc., are invited in the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service in the fight against Covid-19 Pandemic. Some persons cured of Covid-19 infection may also be invited," the MHA said.
The letter signed by joint secretary Anuj Sharma said that it would be appropriate that the theme of "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" is suitably spread and publicised amongst the masses through various activities and messages in the functions and on social media during Independence Day celebrations.
It may be ensured that the National Flag is hoisted at all State Capitals, Districts, Block and Panchayat levels.
Other innovative ways of celebrating Independence Day may be considered like propagating patriotic or national integration messages and songs through digital and social media platforms, sound shows, lighting of important public buildings, waving of National Flags by people at rooftops, balconies, etc, the MHA said.
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