New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday issued an advisory for the Independence Day celebrations in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
“Every year, the Independence Day is celebrated with grandeur, gaiety, fervour and enthusiam. This year also, the Independence Day will be celebrated in a manner befitting the occasion. However, in view of the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, while organizing various programmes or activities for the Independence Day celebrations, it is imperative to follow certain preventive measures such as maintaining social distancing, wearing of masks, proper sanitization, avoiding large congregations, protecting vulnerable persons, etc.; and follow all guidelines related to Covid-19 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Health a Family Welfare,” the letter read.
“All programmes should be organized in a way that large congregation of people is avoided and technology is used in a best possible manner for celebration befitting the occasion. The events organized could be web-cast in order to reach out people at large, who are not able to participate,” it said.
The traditional speech of the Prime Minister at the Red Fort would be done with the regular 21 gun salute and the singing of the national anthem.
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. Some persons cured from Covid-19 infection may also be invited, said the ministry.
“Other functions of the day may include activities like planting of trees; interschool/inter-college debates on digital platforms; online quiz contests/patriotic essay writing and poetry competitions; launching of any important scheme, singing patriotic songs/delivering patriotic talks by selected boys/girls on the social media; illumination of Government Buildings/State Bhawans, etc; thematic webinars; online campaign by NSS and NYKS centred around patriotic themes; or any other activity deemed appropriate by the State Government/Union Territory Administration befitting the occasion. Other innovative ways of celebrating the Independence Day may be considered like propagating patriotic or national integration messages/songs through digital and social media platforms, sound shows/lighting of important public buildings, waving of National Flags by people at rooftops/balconies, etc,” the letter read.
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.
