'Week-long celebration to mark Independence day'

It is important for Indians to understand the value of the country's independence and feel a surge of nationalism and patriotism whenever they look at the country's flag, noted industrialist and Congress leader Naveen Jindal said here Monday.

Speaking at the flaging off of week-long Independence Day celebrations at the Central Park in Connaught Place, he said: "The hoisting of mammoth-sized flag at the Central Park was an initiative to inspire Indians to take pride in displaying the national flag."

On March 7, Jindal had hoisted the largest flag in the country, on the highest flag staff measuring 207 ft, at the Central Park.

The week-long celebrations being organised by the Flag Foundation of India (FFI) in association with New Delhi Municipal Council(NDMC) will conclude Aug 15, Independence day. Musical concerts, kite flying, slide shows, photo exhibitions on freedom struggle and several other events will be held during the celebrations.

A band from the Rajputana Rifles will perform Aug 12 as part of the celebration. "Organising such a celebration arouses a feeling of pride among the citizens of the country. People need to understand the level of patriotism of the freedom fighters of our country," K.V. Singh, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of FFI told IANS.

The FFI has so far installed 40 100-ft-high monumental flag poles across the country and 12 207-ft-high monumental flagpoles.