Modi to launch awareness campaign on freedom fighters

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on August 9 launch a campaign aimed at acquainting the young generation with the sacrifices made by freedom fighters during India's Independence struggle, Information and Broadcasting Minister Venkaiah Naidu said on Tuesday.

The campaign is called '70 Saal Azadi -- Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani' (70 years of Independence -- Let's recall the sacrifices).

Briefing the media after a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) parliamentary party meeting, Naidu said the Union ministers will visit places associated with the Independence struggle across the country to spread the message of patriotism.

"It is the 75th year of 'Quit India' movement. All ministers will visit places associated with our freedom struggle, such as the Jallianwala Bagh (in Amritsar in Punjab) and Dandi (village in Gujarat) etc. Each minister will visit at least two places," he said.

He said the campaign is also aimed at developing the feeling of "nation first".

"The visiting ministers will highlight various initiatives of the Narendra Modi government in the last two years. Independence means from 'swaraj' (self-rule) to 'suraaj' (good governance)," Naidu said.

A week-long 'Tiranga Yatra' to evoke feelings of nationalism and patriotism will also be undertaken from the Independence Day on August 15, he said.

Members of parliament and state legislatures have been asked to participate in the Yatra carrying the Tricolour and visit their constituencies.

At the meeting, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley briefed the members about the Goods and Services Tax Bill, which is to be presented in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

--IANS

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