Independence Day| Covid-19
Large congregations, children to be absent from Independence Day celebrations; Covid warriors to be invited
New Delhi/IBNS: This year the Independence day will be celebrated in the absence of large gatherings while maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization and other guidelines related to Covid-19, the Home Ministry has said.
"Every year, Independence Day is celebrated with grandeur, gaiety, fervour and enthusiasm. This year also, the Independence Day will be celebrated in a manner befitting the occasion," the statement read.
The number of dignitaries and other VIP guests will also be restricted, while school children will not be the part of the annual event, according to an NDTV report.
In an advisory to the states and union territories, the HomeMinistry said "it would also be appropriate that Covid-19 warriors like doctors, health workers, sanitation workers, etc., are invited in the ceremony as a recognition of their noble service in fight against Covid-19 Pandemic."
It also said some persons cured from Covid-19 infection may also be invited.
The NDTV report said chairs for the guests will be placed in the designated areas six-feet apart.
The iconic Red Fort will be shut from Aug 1 for sanitisation and preparations for the Independence Day celebrations.
"There would be no performances by the school kids. Instead some NCC cadets would be invited. Social distancing will be maintained, and the staff will be in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) kits," an official was quoted as saying by NDTV.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unfurl the tricolour and deliver a speech from the Red Fort in Delhi on the 74th Independence Day on August 15.
"The ceremony at Red Fort will consist of the presentation of a Guard of Honour by the Armed Forces and the Delhi Police to the Prime Minister, unfurling of the National Flag accompanied by playing of the National Anthem and firing of 21-gun salute, speech by the Prime Minister, singing of the National Anthem immediately after the PM's speech, and release of tri-coloured balloons at the end (sic)," the Ministry of Home Affairs said in an advisory sent to all states and Union territories.
This will be followed by the customary "At Home" reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan, but no details of the 'At Home' reception has been shared by the Home Ministry.
The advisory says that the holding of "At Home" reception at Raj Bhawan /Raj Niwas by the Governor/Lt. Governor on the Independence Day, the matter is left to the discretion of Governors/Lt. Governors.
All the states have also been asked to give a fresh push to the the theme of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" or self-reliant India.
"It would be appropriate that the theme of "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" is suitably spread and publicised amongst the masses through various activities/messages in the functions and on social media during Independence Day celebrations," the advisory read.
Stressing that large congregations be avoided, the government asserted on the use of technology "in a best possible manner for celebration befitting the occasion".
The states and union territories have been urged to web-cast the events organised in order to reach out to people at large, who are not able to participate in the Independence Day celebrations.
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