Surat: A 100-foot national flag was hoisted and a statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was unveiled at Ram Chowk in the Mota Varachha area of Surat during the Kargil Vijay Diwas programme led by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Sunday.
The event, organised to commemorate Kargil Vijay Diwas, brought together public representatives, local leaders, students and residents to pay tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1999 Kargil War.
The newly installed 100-foot Tricolour at Ram Chowk, near Sudama Chowk, has been erected as a permanent landmark in the Mota Varachha area.
Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi said that the installation of the national flag represented more than a physical structure and reflected the values of patriotism, national unity and courage.
“This is not merely the installation of a flag, but a living symbol of patriotism, national unity, valour and unwavering faith in glorious India. This historic initiative has become a moment of pride for the entire area and will continue to inspire future generations with the spirit of patriotism,” he said.
Congratulating those who attended the programme on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, Sanghavi said that he was pleased to see citizens, students and families gather to witness what he described as a historic moment of national pride.
Following the flag hoisting ceremony, Sanghavi and other dignitaries unveiled a statue of “architect of a united India” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Floral tributes were then offered to the country’s fallen soldiers in remembrance of their sacrifice during the Kargil War. Participants also collectively took a pledge to uphold the dignity of the national flag and strengthen the spirit of patriotism.
The pledge called on people to come together to enhance the honour of the Tricolour at Ram Chowk and uphold the pride of the nation.
Among those present at the programme were Minister of State for Health, Praful Pansheriya, alongside local residents and students.
–IANS
