77th Republic Day celebrations: Dy Chief Minister unfurls National Flag at Bakshi Stadium

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 26: The 77th Republic Day celebrations kicked off with great pomp and enthusiasm at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, where Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary unfurled the National Flag and took the ceremonial salute.

The event was marked by a coordinated parade featuring contingents from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces, NCC cadets and school children, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage and developmental milestones.

Extending Republic Day greetings, the Dy CM congratulated the security forces and the Indian Army for their unwavering vigilance and sacrifice in safeguarding the nation. He expressed special gratitude to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, acknowledging their 36-year-long fight against militancy and paying homage to the brave personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty. He emphasized that, besides maintaining security, there is a growing responsibility to eradicate the drug menace and protect the youth from drug addiction.

Paying tributes to the tourists killed in the Pahalgam attack, the Dy CM said Pakistan has repeatedly attempted to harm Kashmir’s peace and tourism sector but asserted that such conspiracies will no longer succeed. “Our people and our security forces stand united to defeat every such attempt,”.

Appealing to the tourists from across the country and abroad, he said Kashmir today enjoys a peaceful atmosphere and is ready to welcome the visitors. “Come and witness the divine beauty of Paradise on Earth and experience the hospitality and brotherhood of Kashmir,” he said, assuring the tourists of a safe and home-like environment.

Highlighting the significance of Republic Day, the Dy CM said January 26 symbolizes pride, honour and patriotism, marking adoption of the Constitution of India in 1950 and establishment of India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic.

Speaking on Jammu and Kashmir’s development journey, the Dy CM said that Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah laid a strong foundation for unity, brotherhood and progress in the region. He added that former Chief Minister Dr. Farooq Abdullah carried forward this legacy and under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Jammu and Kashmir has reached new heights of development.

Emphasizing youth empowerment, the Dy CM said the government recognizes youth as the backbone of society and is implementing strict measures to combat drug abuse. He highlighted the initiatives like Mission YUVA Digital Empowerment, a comprehensive web portal and mobile app offering AI-based DPR generation, around 25,000 educational videos and nearly 600 e-courses for aspiring entrepreneurs.

On skill development, he informed that new-age courses have been introduced at ITI Srinagar, with 68 additional seats in Smart City-related trades such as IoT Technician, Solar Technician and Smartphone Application Tester. Under Vision 2030, the government aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir into the Skill Capital of North India, targeting skill development for 1.5 million youth by 2030.

He further stated that the government is prioritizing industrial development and is formulating a Local Employment Policy to ensure first right to employment for local youth in upcoming industrial estates.

Highlighting progress in health and education sectors, the Dy CM said that medical facilities are being strengthened to improve healthcare and medical education. He added that buildings of seven Degree Colleges at Domel Pouni, Sunderbani, Hyderpora, Purmandal, Eidgah, Boniyar and Nagrota have been completed.

In line with the vision of Developed India @2047, the Dy CM said various initiatives have been taken like launch of futuristic programs in artificial intelligence, cyber security, robotics and nanotechnology by Kashmir University, five main research colleges have been identified and ‘Design Your Degree’ (DYD) initiative has been launched as a pilot project in select institutions, that empowers the students to design their learning paths according to their career goals, aspirations, and interests. Besides,  inclusion of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) in the curriculum connects students with India’s rich scientific, philosophical and cultural heritage, he added.

Focusing on girls’ education, the Dy CM said that 5,000 students are being provided free boarding, lodging, stipends and basic facilities in 89 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas across Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, 85 girls’ hostels are being constructed, of which, 48 have been completed.

Referring to urban and rural development, the Dy CM said that out of 288 projects taken up under urban development initiatives, 277 have already been completed and major Smart City projects, are transforming urban infrastructure.

Highlighting welfare measures, the Dy CM  said that widow pensions, old age pensions and marriage assistance have been enhanced and free bus travel for women has benefitted lakhs of women passengers. During 2025, JKRTC transported over 62 lakh passengers, including 28 lakh women, he mentioned.

He also highlighted the achievements in securing GI tags for traditional handicrafts and agricultural products, strengthening the livelihoods of artisans and farmers. Progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission, food security measures, energy infrastructure projects, sanitation initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission and employment generation under MNREGA were also outlined.

Acknowledging the financial constraints and recurring natural calamities, the Dy CM expressed hope that the Government of India would extend necessary financial support keeping in view the unique challenges of the region.

Appealing for unity and harmony, the Dy CM  called upon the people to work collectively for peace, progress and development of Jammu and Kashmir. He assured that Omar Abdullah led government will continue to make every effort to address public concerns and fulfil its commitments.

On the occasion, a colourful cultural programme was also presented by the students, artists of J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages and other troupes in the form of patriotic song and other items which mesmerised the audiences.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, several Legislators, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP Kashmir; Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officers of Police and Civil administration, heads of various departments, government officials and large number of people and school children were also present on the occasion.

Earlier, the Dy CM also paid floral tributes to the martyrs at Balidan Stambh.