Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: IIT Roorkee celebrates the 75thIndependence Day on a grand scalein its 175th year of foundation
Roorkee :This year Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee)is in its 175th year of foundation, and like every year the Independence Day Function was celebrated on 15th August 2022 (Monday). The ceremonious event was held at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium of the Institute.The flag hoisting was done by the Director after inspecting the Guard of Honour who then welcomed and escorted distinguished guests.
A Guard of honour was performed by NCC students in LBS stadium with a larger participation of NCC students. NCC has organized a letter of gratitude program where letters were sent to soldiers protecting the borders. The Himalayan Explorer Club (HEC) celebrated Independence Day on 15th August 2022 with local people during the trek to the valley of flowers. Dance, Music, Dramatics, and Kshitij sections of the cultural council have organized cultural programs together on the 76th Independence Day. The Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations have concluded with a grand Tiranga Yatra within the campus where a large number of students, staff members, and their family members have participated with full enthusiasm raising patriotic slogans remembering the motherland and the people who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
All Students, Faculty Members, Officers, and Employees along with their families were proudly present for the ceremony. IIT Roorkee also commemorated the war heroes by way of the cultural program performed by the students of ABN Senior Secondary School and Anushruti Academy for the Deaf and Cultural Council of IIT Roorkee.
This time, the Government named the celebration ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The Mahotsav is being celebrated as a Jan-Utsav in the spirit of Jan-Bhagidari.The Independence Day Function at IIT Roorkee was organized at a large scale with much grandeur and fervor to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of independence and the glorious history of its people, culture, and achievements.
As part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, students of IIT Roorkee have organized various activities in online and offline mode from 15th August 2021 to 15th August 2022. NSS has initiated YouTube series on the Historic movements of India. Under the theme “Deshke Rang, Tirangeke Sang”, NSS has also organized photography and videography competitions, cooking (culinary) competitions, painting, and poster design, collage/caricatures for IITR students, and online pictorial quiz for school students. In the name of “Udbhav: Swantantrata ka Sangram”, a test was conducted on the history of Independence for class 6-12 students of ABN School and Army Public School. Throughout the year, the Institute Sports Council has organized walkathon, cyclothon, and fitness sessions addressing the health and fitness of students and staff members and their family members. During covid time, the NCC has organized pentathlon in online mode which was a five-day event focusing on drill, training, yoga, and health. International students have participated with full enthusiasm by preparing their respective country’s food items and sharingthe independence struggles of their countries with Indian students. For students of ABN school, the NCC has organized a painting competition related to themes of armed forces and freedom fighters. The Fine Arts Section of the Cultural Council has organized an art competition with the theme Young India and her Future. The Cinema Club has screened movies to remember the sacrifices made by soldiers and scientists. Several hostels have organized cultural nights and various events during the concluding session of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Prof. Ajit K Chaturvedi, Director IIT Roorkee hoisted the Indian flag and addressed the students and employees on this historic occasion. He said, “The celebrations are a tribute to the millions of Indians because of whom we are breathing in an India which is governed by Indians. Let us all work towards promoting our Indian identity and brotherhood among all Indians.”
Talking about the grand celebration Prof. M. K. Barua, Dean of Student Welfare, IIT Roorkee said, “This Independence Day is special both for IIT Roorkee and India. And this celebration is also part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav campaign. It has been done so that people can witness the rich history of India. It will also enhance the knowledge of people about their ancestors and the glory of India’s past.”