Srinagar, Aug 15 (KNS) : The 75th Independence day was celebrated on Monday with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervor at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, where its Director Prof. Rakesh Sehgal unfurled tricolor at the campus.

Prof. Sehgal hoisted the national presence in presence of Institute’s Registrar Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari, Deans, HODs, faculty and students. It was a grand parade by the security wing of the institute.

In his key address, the Director congratulated the people on the 75th Independence Day and recalled the supreme sacrifices of national heroes who laid down for the country.

“We have achieved freedom after the sacrifice of our national leaders and we pay rich tributes to them on an auspicious day,” he said.

Prof. Sehgal said India’s independence was not easy and it took decades to restore the grass root democracy and they faced many challenges.

“We should take a pledge on this day to strive to protect our country and have to dedicate our services and life for the progress of the nation,” he said.

In his message, Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari said the uniqueness of India’s great story is that this nation is achieving respect from the world taking a democratic path.

While paying tributes to national heroes, he said the sacrifices and contributions will continue to guide and inspire them to achieve the new feat.

Prof. Bukhari said the founding fathers of this nation including Mahatma Gandhi Ji, along with the numerous freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the country, wanted this nation to be independent, happy, and peaceful.

“Over the past seven decades, India has emerged as a powerful country in the world and will continue to strive hard,” he said.

The function was organized by the Department of Physical Education, NIT Srinagar. Following the bad weather, it was held at two venues on the campus. It consisted of a flag hoisting ceremony and parade.

In the event nearly 1000 students, faculty, senior administrative staff, non-teaching staff participated. Patriotic songs were presented to mark the historic day.

Later Prof. Sehgal thanked everyone for attending and participating in the ceremony. He extended his special gratitude to the security personnel for their participation and efforts.

The arrangements were finalized by Dr. Srinibash Mishra (SAS Coordinator),  Kounsar Ali Mir (SAS Officer), Sohail Ahmad Baba (SAS Assistant), Abdul Gani ( Sr.Technician), Gh. Hassan ( Sr.Technician), Ab. Rashid ( Office Attendant), Habib Ullah  Groundsman), Mohmmad Akbar ( Groundsman), Ab Hamid (Sr. Technician) Mushtaq Ah (Office Assistant)

In the afternoon, SPIC MACAY organized a Cycle Yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari that was flagged off from the NIT on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day.

This event was conducted by the Art and Culture Club (Office of Dean Student Welfare) of NIT Srinagar.

The flagging off was done in the presence of the Director of NIT Srinagar, Prof. Rakesh Sehgal, and Institutes’s Registrar, Prof. Kaiser Bukhari.

The senior members of SPIC MACAY, Rashmi Malik, and Rajiv Giri were also present, along with many students of NIT Srinagar, who were eager to participate and volunteer.

The coordinator greeted the guests and spoke about the aspiring undertaking of Dr. Kiran Seth. Director, Registrar, and coordinator of NIT Srinagar, along with Dr. Kiran Seth and Mr. Rajiv Giri, went on a small cycling expedition in the college, where they explored the campus on bicycles.

Dr. Kiran Seth spoke to the students of NIT Srinagar, about tapping the inner strength and unexplored potential. The youth of this country are the leaders of tomorrow, he said.

“The best way one can help maintain the integrity of a country is by encouraging the local culture and art that are now being forgotten,” Dr. Kiran said.

Mrs. Rashmi Malik and Mr. Rajiv Giri, also encouraged the students about the same and motivated them to expand their knowledge and skills, to reach greater heights.

Dr. Kiran Seth then set forth from NIT Srinagar, on his Cycle Yatra, with great confidence and contagious energy, with a loud cheer from the students.

The event concluded with the start of the exhilarating journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, of a man on a bicycle with a big heart and a noble cause.(KNS)