Ministry of Tourism, Govt. India (North), Institute of Hotel Management Srinagar and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), Darjeeling in a joint effort showed 7500 Sq. Ft Indian Tricolor on the banks of Dal Lake, Srinagar. It was as part of the celebrations of 75 years of independence and the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Shri Manoj Sinha was the Chief Guest and addressed the historic event. In his speech, the Lt Governor warmly greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir and talked about the development plan for the next 25 years.
The Flag itself weighed 80-85 kg with supporting elements. It is pertinent to mention that the HMI team first displayed the same flag in Sikkim Himalayas in April 2021 and subsequently at Victoria Memorial in Kolkata on 15 Aug 21 and at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat on 31 Oct 2021. The flag was then displayed in Antarctica, setting a world record for the largest national flag of any country displayed for the first time in Antarctica. Now, in accordance with the Govt. India’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign and also the Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav, the flag is displayed in Srinagar.
The flag was hoisted in Darjeeling on 8 August 2022 on the occasion of 80 years of the end of the INDIA MOVEMENT before arriving in Srinagar. Because the Flag is so huge, it was made in three panels. Special attention was paid to its stability factor and safety anchors were suitably fitted to make the Flag withstand extreme weather conditions from high speed mountain winds to sub-zero temperatures of Antarctica as well as other extreme weather conditions.
Shri Anil Oraw, Regional Director (North) gave the traditional welcome to the Lt. Governor and spoke about the importance of hoisting the flag on Dal Lake Srinagar. Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta IAS, Principal Secretary, J & K, Shri Sarmad Hafeez, Principal Secretary IAS and other senior government officials, tourism stakeholders, media attended the ceremony. The event was also attended by people from all walks of life, including representatives of the tourism and hospitality industry, hoteliers, governments. officials, students, media and others.
