Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday presided over the state-level Independence Day celebrations at Barsar in Hamirpur district, where he hoisted the national flag and addressed the people of the state.
The state-level function was organised at the Government Senior Secondary School playground in Barsar. The Himachal Pradesh High Court had permitted the government to hold the event at the school, subject to a ₹5 lakh contribution to the students’ welfare fund.
The ceremony featured a ceremonial parade and cultural performances showcasing patriotism and Himachal Pradesh’s folk traditions. Personnel from the police, Home Guards and other contingents, along with student groups, participated in the march-past.
Sukhu also felicitated individuals for their notable contributions in different fields and distributed assistance to beneficiaries of the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board. Participants in the parade and cultural programmes were also recognised.
The Chief Minister’s address was keenly awaited by government employees and pensioners, particularly amid expectations over pending dearness allowance instalments, pay-revision arrears and other financial liabilities. However, before the event, the government had not indicated any specific financial package or DA-related announcement.
For the first time, government schools across Himachal Pradesh were directed to organise live screening of the Chief Minister’s Independence Day address from Barsar, enabling students across the state to hear his message directly.
The state-level celebration in Barsar was part of Independence Day programmes held across Himachal Pradesh. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri presided over the function in Chamba, Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania attended the celebrations in Bilaspur, while other ministers led district-level programmes in Solan, Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Shimla, Una, Sirmaur and Mandi. MLA Sunder Singh Thakur presided over the function at Keylong in Lahaul-Spiti.
The choice of Barsar as the venue placed Hamirpur at the centre of the state’s Independence Day celebrations, with the Chief Minister using the occasion to outline his government’s priorities and vision for Himachal Pradesh.
