Chandigarh, August 10, 2026: The Chandigarh Administration today organised a cultural programme at GGDSD College, Sector 32, Chandigarh as part of the “Har Ghar Tiranga - 150 Years of Vande Mataram” campaign. The programme was organised by the Department of Culture and the Department of Tourism, U.T. Chandigarh Administration to promote patriotism, national pride and greater public participation. Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, U.T. Chandigarh Administration, was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, IAS, Secretary, Tourism & Culture, welcomed the dignitaries. This was followed by patriotic and Tiranga-themed cultural performances by We Are One (WAO), a foundation comprising specially abled artists and professional wheelchair classical dancers. WAO has performed in more than 15 countries and on platforms including Dance India Dance, Satyamev Jayate and India’s Got Talent. The organisation has also received several national and international honours including a Guinness World Record. A Tiranga March by college students, led by the Chief Secretary, was also held within the college premises.

During his address, the Chief Secretary said that the residents of the City Beautiful have always been at the forefront in every sphere and expressed confidence that Chandigarh would lead by example in the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign as well. Calling for active participation by citizens, departments and organisations, he urged everyone to make the campaign a mass movement. He emphasised that the spirit of the campaign should extend beyond the week-long celebrations and that the Tricolour should remain a symbol of national pride throughout the year.

The Chief Secretary outlined the Jan Bhagidhari activities planned from August 9 to 17, including Tiranga rallies, a Walkathon, Bike/Car Rally, selfie booths, Rangoli and Rakhi-making workshops, Tiranga Mela, quizzes, letter-writing, Nukkad Nataks, cultural programmes and exhibitions. Government and tourist locations will also be illuminated and decorated. Special emphasis has been laid on the participation of schools, colleges and youth through various theme-based activities.

The Chief Secretary also highlighted the observance of Partition Horrors Remembrance Day on August 14 through Partition-themed exhibitions, visits for schoolchildren, short film screenings, a play, experience-sharing by affected families, a Silent March and display of archival material to sensitise the younger generation about the human cost of Partition.

Present on the occasion were Ms. Radhika Singh, Director Tourism; Shri Naveen Rattu, Director Culture; Shri Rajiv Tewari, Director Public Relations; Dr. Ajay Sharma, Principal, GGDSD College; Shri Jatinder Bhatia, Finance Secretary, GGDSD College Society and other officials of the Chandigarh Administration.