Modi to launch Independence Day celebrations from Azad's birthplace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday formally inaugurate the fortnight-long celebrations of India's 70th Independence Day from revolutionary Chandra Shekhar Azad's birthplace in Madhya Pradesh.

"The Prime Minister will visit Azad's native Bhavra village in Alirajpur district of Madhya Pradesh on August 9 and formally inaugurate the celebrations by paying homage to the freedom fighter," Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu said on Monday.

"August 9 marks the 75th anniversary of the 'Quit India' movement. I will visit the August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai tomorrow (Tuesday), from where the movement was launched on this day," he said.

Naidu said all ministers "without exception" will visit the birthplaces of national icons and places associated with India's independence movement, such as Jallianwala Bagh (Punjab), Chauri Chaura (Uttar Pradesh), Cellular Jail (Andaman islands), Sabarmati Ashram and Dandi (both in Gujarat) etc.

He said the places each minister will visit have been finalised.

The government has planned an elaborate fortnight-long programme, being called '70 Saal Azadi -- Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani' (70 years of Independence -- Let's recall the sacrifices) to commemorate the country's 70th Independence Day.

Naidu said the 15-day event will showcase the plurality and diversity of India through various modes and platforms and incorporating the voices and sentiments of the people.

He requested all the political parties to participate in the programme.

On August 18, the Rakshabandhan day, all women Union ministers and BJP Mahila Morcha members would tie 'rakhis' on the wrists of soldiers deployed in border areas and other places, he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party President Amit Shah will visit Kakori in Uttar Pradesh where the revolutionaries looted a train carrying government money on August 9, 1925.

--IANS

mak/tsb/vm