Mumbai, 15 August 2024
The 78th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and dedication across various prominent institutions in Maharashtra. The events highlighted the spirit of patriotism, commitment to national development, and ongoing efforts towards excellence and inclusivity.
NFDC and CBFC
The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) celebrated Independence Day with a special event at the National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC). The day featured a flag hoisting ceremony by Mr. Rajendra Singh, CEO of CBFC, Mr. D Ramakrishnan, GM of NFDC, and Mr. Mahesh Yadav, DGM of NFDC, along with actress Chhaya Kadam and RJ Divya Solgama. The event included a talk show on financial independence for women, a prize for the best-dressed audience member, and a screening of the film Laapataa Ladies. Participants also took part in a tree plantation ceremony in alignment with the Ministry’s ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ initiative, and the event concluded with a guided tour of the NMIC.
Southern Command, Indian Army
HWYV.jpeg)
The Southern Command HQ in Pune marked the 78th Independence Day with grandeur and patriotic fervor. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, Ati Vishist Seva Medal, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Command War Memorial, honoring the valour of Indian soldiers. In line with the government’s theme ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,’ a large-scale tree plantation drive was initiated. Over one lakh saplings, including fruit-bearing and medicinal plants, were planted across various Army units and establishments in the Pune Cantonment, reflecting the Indian Army’s dedication to environmental sustainability and a greener Earth.
Western Railway
Western Railway commemorated Independence Day at its headquarters in Churchgate, Mumbai. General Manager Ashok Kumar Misra hoisted the National Flag and addressed the gathering, reflecting on the achievements and future goals of Western Railway. The event featured a ceremonial parade, donations by Kshama Misra, President of WRWWO, to Jagjivan Ram Hospital, and a cultural program. An announcement was made about WR athletes preparing for the Ladakh Marathon. Later, General Manager Misra inaugurated the renovated Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) Cath Lab at Jagjivan Ram Hospital, praising the hospital’s commitment to high medical standards.
Konkan Railway
At Konkan Rail Vihar, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Shri Santosh Kumar Jha, Chairman & Managing Director of Konkan Railway, hoisted the National Flag and inspected the Railway Protection Force (RPF) contingent. In his address, Shri Jha praised the dedication of Konkan Railway employees and highlighted key achievements such as securing new projects worth over ₹1200 crores and achieving the highest profit of ₹301 Crore in 2023-24. Other accomplishments included the successful operation of summer special trains, significant energy savings through solar plants, and successful rescue operations of missing children. Shri Jha reiterated Konkan Railway’s commitment to passenger safety and infrastructure development.
Indian Postal Service, Maharashtra Circle
At the Maharashtra Circle office, Shri Kishan Kumar Sharma, Chief Postmaster General, hoisted the National Flag in the presence of key officials including Shri Abhijeet Bansode (DPS HQ), Shri Manoj Kumar (DPS Mails & BD), Shri Ajinkya Kale (DPS Mumbai Region), and other officers and staff. The ceremony celebrated the core values of unity, diversity, and patriotism that define the nation. Shri Sharma emphasized cherishing the values of liberty, equality, and justice upon which India was founded, extending warm Independence Day wishes to everyone.
Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan)
The Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD[D]), Bandra West, Mumbai, marked the 78th Independence Day with a vibrant flag hoisting ceremony led by Director of AYJNISHD(D), Dr. Suman Kumar. Dr. Kumar also awarded a gold medal to Ms. Shahida Mogar for her academic excellence and reiterated the institute’s commitment to the national vision of ‘Vikasit Bharat by 2047.’
Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Mumbai
IIM Mumbai celebrated Independence Day with a grand ceremony at its campus, aligning with the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign. The day began with a campus marathon and continued with a flag hoisting ceremony by Prof. Manoj Kumar Tiwari, Director of IIM Mumbai. Prof. Tiwari highlighted the institute’s achievements, including securing the 6th rank in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) India Rankings 2024. The event featured a pledge administered by Lt. Cdr (Mrs.) Nisha Singh, and certificates of appreciation were awarded to meritorious students and marathon winners. The program was well-supported by faculty, staff, and students, ending with the distribution of sweets.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay
IIT Bombay celebrated the 78th Independence Day at the iconic arch facing the Nandan Nilekani Main Building. Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, hoisted the national flag and delivered a speech highlighting the institute’s achievements and the significance of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.’ The event featured a cultural program, a tree plantation drive, and promotion of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. Prof. Kedare and Chief Guest Mr. Deepak Satwalekar honored Shri Prem Bahadur Gangabir Pun for his 40 years of service. The celebration was broadcast live and saw participation from faculty, staff, and students.
National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune
At the National Institute of Naturopathy (NIN), Pune, the 78th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic enthusiasm. Prof. Dr. K. Satya Lakshmi, Director of NIN, unfurled the national flag in the presence of staff, students, and guests. The Director emphasized the ‘Nasha Mukta Bharat’ initiative and introduced ‘Daan Petis’ for symbolic donations of negative emotions. The event included a cultural program by students, recognition of outstanding employees, and a healthy breakfast. The celebration underscored the values of freedom, health, and holistic well-being.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, celebrated Independence Day with fervor at its Central Office in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar hoisted the National Flag and led a vibrant ‘Tiranga Yatra’ under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. He highlighted the transformative impact of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, with Khadi’s turnover surpassing ₹1.55 lakh crores, and the sector creating 10.17 lakh new jobs. The event included the inauguration of the renovated ‘Mahatma Hall,’ a cultural program, the release of the second edition of the Rajbhasha Visheshank, and the felicitation of sports competition winners.
* * *
PIB Mumbai | DL/ DR
Follow us on social media:
@PIBMumbai 
/PIBMumbai 
/pibmumbai 
pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com 
/PIBMumbai 
/pibmumbai