R Sharma
Bokaro
The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at Police Lines Ground, Sector 12, where Minister Yogendra Prasad unfurled the national flag and took the salute of the parade at the district-level ceremony. The programme highlighted Bokaro’s development journey and the administration’s focus on inclusive growth, public welfare and better service delivery.
Prasad paid tribute to the freedom fighters and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence. He also remembered Jharkhand’s legendary heroes, including Birsa Munda, Tilka Manjhi, Sidhu-Kanhu, Sheikh Bhikhari and Veer Budhu Bhagat, describing their sacrifices as a continuing source of inspiration.
Highlighting development initiatives, the minister said welfare schemes were reaching people at the grassroots, with emphasis on women’s empowerment, housing, employment and social security. He appreciated initiatives such as the Sakhi Mahotsav for providing women self-help groups opportunities to promote their products and strengthen their economic independence.
Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha highlighted the administration’s efforts in education, healthcare, rural development and livelihood generation. He said initiatives such as smart classrooms, digital and vocational education, improved healthcare services, housing support and employment programmes were contributing to better quality of life.
The administration also highlighted Bokaro’s achievements in sports and tourism, including efforts to promote Lugu Buru Ghantabari Dhoromgarh in Lalpania, while preserving Jharkhand’s rich tribal heritage and traditions.
The ceremony was attended by IG Shailendra Kumar Sinha, SP Nathu Singh Meena, Deputy Development Commissioner Shatabdi Majumdar, SDO Chas Pranjal Dhanda, Trainee IAS Arvind Radhakrishnan, Additional Collector Sunil Chandra and District Social Welfare Officer Suchita Kiran, among other officials and dignitaries.
The programme concluded with an appeal for collective participation in nation-building and the development of a prosperous, self-reliant and inclusive Jharkhand. The minister and DC extended Independence Day greetings to the people of Bokaro.
