By Shuriah Niazi, Zahid Rafiq and Ahmed Adil
NEW DELHI
More than one billion Indians celebrated their country’s 70 years of independence on Tuesday, with a pledge to rid the country of corruption and communal violence.
Soaked in patriotism, citizens observed the day with patriotic songs being played on the streets and exchange of sweets.
In schools and colleges, special ceremonies were held where students performed on Bollywood music and staged dramas based on the life of freedom fighters.
The school children across India also participated in oath taking ceremony, pledging to rid the country of five major problems -- poverty, corruption, terrorism, communalism and casteism.
Many heritage buildings in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other state capitals were decorated with colorful lights. A large number of people thronged Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, to pay tribute to the father of the nation.
The main program was organized in the capital New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the tricolor on the ramparts of the historical Red Fort amid a 21 gun salute.
Addressing the nation, Modi said violence in the name of faith is not acceptable in the country.
The premier’s comments came at a time when violence against minorities is on the rise in the country with the cow vigilantes frequently attacking people suspected of smuggling the animals.
"Violence in the name of faith is not acceptable in the country," Modi said and termed communalism and casteism as a "poison".
Internal security
Modi's speech was more focused on the country's domestic issues.
“Internal security is our priority. Be it sea or borders, be it cyber or space, India is capable of tackling every security challenge," he said.
Commenting on the disputed region of Jammu Kashmir, the prime minister said the conflict can be resolved by only "embracing" the people living in the Valley.
“Kashmir’s issue cannot be resolved by bullets or abuses but only by embracing the people.”
People who attended the program at the Red Fort had to pass through heavy security arrangements.
“I got a chance to attend the program for the first time at the Red Fort. I am really impressed with the arrangements and presentation by schools girls who formed a replica of our national flag,” said Anupreet Singh, a housewife from Ghaziabad.
In Mumbai, an exhibition regarding India’s 70 contributions to the world was inaugurated on Tuesday. The exhibition displayed the country’s achievements as well as failures in the past 70 years.
Sweet shops in Mumbai and some other towns prepared special tricolored sweets.
“I bought tricolored barfi (Indian sweet made from milk solids and sugar) especially designed on the Independence Day. It really gives a different feeling today for a youth like me,” said Hemant Chauhan, a graduate in Mumbai.
Shutdown in Jammu Kashmir
In India’s biggest Uttar Pradesh state, a large number of madrasas celebrated the Independence Day by hoisting flag and distributing sweets.
The state government in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh had directed madrasas to record the video, click pictures of the event and send it to them. Some Muslims had argued that it is objectionable to believe that Muslims are not patriotic.
Bengaluru, the capital city of south Indian state of Karnataka, received heavy rains. However, people were in festive mood and came out on streets to celebrate the day.
A huge rally was taken out by Muslims in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh state. People from all walks of life participated in the rally.
“This is something we have been doing for years. We just want to express our feelings for our country through this rally,” said Ansar Siddiqui, who participated in this rally for the fifth time.
Meanwhile, disputed Jammu Kashmir observed a complete shutdown to protest the Indian rule in the region.
Tens of thousands of Indian armed forces guarded the streets across the region and enforce restrictions on movement at various places.
The phone and internet services were also suspended for the first half of the day.
The Indian-backed government in the region held Independence Day celebrations at various highly secured venues.
