In a grand celebration of India’s independence, Gujarat witnessed a massive participation of students in the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga – Har Ghar Swachhta’ initiative. From August 8 to 15, 2025, over 22.4 lakh students from more than 1.20 lakh schools and colleges took part in various activities across the state. These programmes aimed to promote patriotism, cleanliness, and respect for the national flag.
The celebrations were part of the ‘Swatantrata Saptah’ or Independence Week, which encouraged citizens to engage in activities that fostered a sense of national pride. During this period, the government conducted a selfie campaign where over 5.45 lakh citizens participated, and more than 5.37 lakh took part in cleanliness drives. Additionally, 16 lakh citizens joined in flag rallies, making a total of over 26 lakh participants in these patriotic events.
Various cultural programmes were organised in all 33 districts of Gujarat. Notably, on August 10, a grand flag rally was held in Surat, attended by over 60,000 citizens, including Union Minister C.R. Patil and Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi.
In addition to the rallies, students engaged in artistic competitions that included painting, rangoli making, essay writing, quizzes, and traditional attire competitions. The events were designed to showcase their creativity while instilling a sense of patriotism.
On August 11, in Vadodara, around 25,000 citizens participated in a flag rally that featured a vibrant cultural programme. To further encourage participation, the Youth Service and Cultural Activities Department distributed over 50 lakh flags throughout the state.
The ‘Har Ghar Tiranga – Har Ghar Swachhta’ theme was not only about displaying the national flag but also emphasized the importance of cleanliness. On August 12, various activities took place in Bharuch, Narmada, Ahmedabad, and several other districts. This included flag rallies at school, village, taluka, and district levels, ensuring widespread participation.
The celebrations continued with cleanliness drives in schools and local communities, reinforcing the message of hygiene and patriotism. On August 15, flag hoisting ceremonies took place in all districts and municipal corporations, marking the culmination of the week-long celebrations.
In Anand district, under the guidance of District Collector Praveen Chaudhary, schools held painting competitions and rangoli contests. Students also wrote postcards to soldiers, expressing their gratitude and respect. Teachers encouraged students to capture selfies with the flag, promoting engagement in the patriotic spirit. Activities like these are crucial in nurturing a sense of belonging and pride among the youth.
Overall, the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga – Har Ghar Swachhta’ initiative successfully brought together millions of students and citizens in Gujarat, promoting national pride and cleanliness. The efforts showcased the unity and spirit of the people, reminding everyone of their duty towards the nation and the environment.
