Magnificent optimism and patriotism on display in Drass District on Independence Day

Drass, August 15, 2026: The 80th Independence Day function of Drass District was held at the iconic International Horse Polo Stadium in Goshan with enormous enthusiasm and patriotic fervour with people from all sections of society participating in the celebrations.

Deputy Commissioner Drass, Mr Imteeaz Kacho, JKAS, hoisted the National Flag and took the salute at the ceremonial parade. The National Song and National Anthem were played, marking the commencement of the main proceedings. The celebrations were attended by Superintendent of Police Ishtyaq Kacho; Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Asif Hussain; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vishal Atri; LAHDC Councillors Abdul Samad and Abdul Wahid; Executive Engineers of PW(R&B), PHE, REW/PMGSY; Tehsildar (HQ) and Naib Tehsildar (HQ) to Deputy Commissioner, various heads of Government and Public Sector Undertakings, a large number of serving and retired officers, officials, heads of political parties, heads of religious organizations, teachers, students, army veterans and members of civil society.

The ceremonial parade was led by Sub-Inspector Mohammad Iliyas as the First Parade Commander while Mohammad Isaq served as the Second Parade Commander. Contingents of the District Police, Ex-Servicemen Welfare Trust and National Cadet Corps (NCC) participated in the parade besides contingents of a large number of schools with discipline and pride, creating a strong patriotic atmosphere.

Students from Government Degree College, Drass; Higher Secondary School, Drass; Higher Secondary School, Bhimbat; Himabas Public School, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV),Bhimbat; High School, Mushko; High School, Muradbagh; Mutahhary Public School, Drass, High School, Pandrass; High School, Chowkiyal and Middle School, Throngos also participated in the celebrations enthusiastically.

While addressing the gathering on the historic and auspicious occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho extended warm Independence Day greetings to one and all and recited the patriotic poem of Gurudev Rabindrannath Tagore ‘Where the Mind is Without Fear.’

Further, he spoke in the Sheena language to congratulate all citizens of Drass on the momentous creation of Drass District. He then paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters, martyrs and brave soldiers whose sacrifices secured the country’s freedom. He highlighted the values of unity, democracy, equality and national integration and appreciated India’s remarkable progress in education, healthcare, science and technology, infrastructure and economic development.

The Deputy Commissioner also expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces, Police personnel and all those serving to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity, particularly those serving in challenging border areas.

Emphasising education as the foundation of the future, the Deputy Commissioner said that strengthening educational infrastructure and ensuring quality education remain among the administration’s foremost priorities. He called upon teachers, parents and the community to work together to ensure that every child gets equal opportunities to learn, grow and realise their full potential.

Expressing concern over the growing challenge of drug abuse, he urged the youth to stay away from drugs and instead focus on education, sports, creativity, skill development and other constructive activities. He called for collective efforts by parents, teachers, administration, police and the community to create greater awareness, strengthen prevention and support counselling initiatives. Speaking about the development vision for Drass, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, accessible healthcare, quality education, employment opportunities and better connectivity. He underlined the immense potential of Drass for adventure, cultural and winter tourism, along with winter sports and promotion of local youth talent.

Moreover, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of youth and women empowerment, environmental conservation, digital connectivity and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of Drass. He called upon citizens to actively contribute towards building a clean, green, prosperous and inclusive Drass and also appreciated their efforts towards helping in implementing the Solid Waste Management Rules and the prohibition on Single-Use Plastic (SUP). He also appealed to one-and-all to walk hand-in-hand with the District Administration on its path towards development of the newly formed Drass District.

Concluding his address, the Deputy Commissioner called upon the people to renew their commitment towards unity, peace, development, environmental protection and responsible citizenship. He expressed profound gratitude to the brave soldiers and officers serving on the borders and acknowledged their courage, vigilance and sacrifice in keeping the nation safe.

The celebrations featured a colourful cultural programme presented by students of various educational institutions. Patriotic performances, traditional cultural presentations and other programmes showcased the talent and enthusiasm of the students.

A special skit on drug abuse delivered a strong social message, highlighting the harmful consequences of substance abuse and encouraging young people to choose a healthy, disciplined and productive lifestyle. Another presentation depicted India’s journey from the struggle for freedom to the present, highlighting the sacrifices of freedom fighters and the country’s remarkable journey since Independence. The impressive presentations of students of all schools left the dignitaries and spectators spellbound on account of their raw talent and immense energy.

The programme concluded with the distribution of prizes among the participating students and performers in recognition of their enthusiastic participation and outstanding performances. District awards for meritorious public service and academic excellence were also presented on the occasion. Appreciation certificates were also distributed among students for participating in the ‘Tiranga—My Pride’ painting competition aligned with the ongoing Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.

The celebrations concluded on a patriotic note, with a collective resolve to contribute towards building a strong, prosperous and inclusive India and a peaceful, developed and flourishing Drass.

Celebrations were held in various school Campuses including Government High School, Shimsha Kharboo. The national flag was hoisted by the In-charge Headmaster Sajjad Hussain in the presence of teaching staff and students. A colourful cultural programme was organised by the students, featuring patriotic songs, speeches and various cultural performances. The students showcased their talent and expressed their love and respect for the nation.