Opinion | Happy Independence Day to all!

Happy Independence Day to those who have seen and recognized their flag for the first time. Happy Independence Day to everyone who celebrates this significant day with pride as an Indian. My flag represents my deep respect and privilege for my country. It is not merely a showcase but a symbol of the sacrifices made by thousands of martyrs who deserve immense respect and honor. As a Kashmiri, I feel proud to acknowledge the accomplishments and victories we have achieved by staying united under this flag. The flag symbolizes the unity, sacrifice, and honor of our citizens. Over the last five decades, numerous individuals, including members of the armed forces, have selflessly laid down their lives to keep the tricolor flying in all its glory.
Let’s not hide the reality from our children; let’s not make it a joke. Let’s not deviate our young generation, and let’s not provoke them with different ideologies. The colours of our flag became more vibrant after the abrogation. We now see children and youth proudly waving and celebrating it on social media. Yes, it is happening for the first time, and it’s due to the growing awareness of our national flag, the flag of India, which was rarely made public before due to the severe crises and violence.
Kashmir is now blooming with the colours of the national flag. Rallies for independence, reminiscent of those before 1990, are marching towards peace and nationalism. Locals and residents feel a sense of pride while hoisting the national flag. The youth of Kashmir have uploaded the national flag as their profile picture on social media. Schools, offices, and local communities all join in celebrating the national anthem throughout the Kashmir Valley. This evolving scenario signifies a change. The celebrations of independence in the Kashmir valley convey a powerful message.
Over the past thirty years, Kashmir was trapped in extremism without a clear sense of nationhood. The youth were led astray, causing many to suffer and lose their lives and property. The recent changes and policies promoting national activities have helped children and youth become more aware of their flag and national identity. Had these initiatives been implemented before the abrogation, the situation might have been quite different. It is crucial that we educate our people about our national symbols to foster respect and honour for our national flag.
Today we see the Independence Day reunites us under a single country, a solitary flag, and a unified constitution in Kashmir, ending a 32-year hiatus. This marks true liberation from violence, turmoil, unrest, stone pelting, and radicalization. The message conveyed by the abrogation of Article 370 is vivid and widespread: violence has no place, and terrorism is met with zero tolerance. The emphasis lies on unity, nationalism, and patriotism.
This day serves as a message to those who propagated erroneous perceptions about Kashmir, who misguided people using religious and political arguments, and who exploited the Kashmiri populace for their personal gains. Their actions resulted not only in the suffering of the people but also in their misguidance.
Gone are the days when some nationalists in Kashmir hoisted the flag secretly in army camps due to the threat, when flags were not available. Today, we witness the presence of the 108-feet-tall national flag in most districts which prevails the sense of patriotism in the hearts of the people and raises awareness about the significance of the Indian National Flag.
The Valley is now adorned not only with a vibrant display of flags but also witnesses them waving and fluttering proudly in every corner with immense enthusiasm. The people of the valley understand that this National Flag represents their hopes and aspirations. It holds a unique and special place in the emotions and psyche of the Kashmiri people. Under the embrace of this flag, we find reassurance that we will not face violence, discrimination, or the danger of being radicalized under different guises.

Indeed, our national anthem, national song, and national flag hold great significance as symbols of our country. They embody our history of struggle, sacrifice, love, and unwavering patriotism for the nation. These symbols also represent the values of integrity and unity that bind us together. The towering presence of this flag serves as a constant reminder of our duties and responsibilities towards nation-building.
This promise of unity in diversity sends a clear message that our nation rejects violence and instead embraces the ideals of peace, prosperity, and development. These symbols stand as a testament to our collective commitment to shaping a better future for our country

My flag represents my profound respect and privilege for my country. It is not merely a display item but a tribute to the sacrifices of the thousands of martyrs who deserve boundless respect and honor. As a Kashmiri, it fills me with pride to recognize the achievements and triumphs we’ve experienced by remaining united under this flag.
The flag stands as a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and the honor of our citizens. In the course of the last five decades, numerous individuals, including members of the armed forces, have willingly given their lives to ensure that the tricolour continues to fly with its full glory.

The flag ceremony in the valley nurtures the minds of the youth, particularly the younger generation. It serves as a reminder that those who peddle a different narrative about Kashmir have been exploiting you for their own gains. Today, the reality is that we are an integral part of the world’s largest democracies. People who incite
violence, encourage terrorism, and provoke hostility are not your sympathizers but your adversaries. They bring tears to your eyes, rob you of your education and childhood, and subject you to a hazardous life under various pretexts and tales
The abrogation of Article 370 shattered every constraint, violence, and terrorism. The people of the valley have come to understand the importance of a peaceful life and have realized that both Kashmir and Kashmiris were deceived. Today, this day is celebrated to symbolize a message of peace and stability in the region.
Through peaceful celebrations and commemorations, Kashmiris express their desire for a harmonious coexistence, marking a departure from their violent past. This celebration also showcases a strong sense of nationalism and identity among the people of Kashmir. By hoisting the national flag with pride, participating in rallies, and embracing national symbols, the Kashmiri population expresses their connection to the larger Indian nation. This feeling of belonging and loyalty to the nation can contribute to fostering unity and solidarity among the diverse communities within the region.
Independence signifies a growing willingness to participate in activities that foster national unity and cohesion. This change can be viewed as an indicator of evolving attitudes and a desire to progress towards a more inclusive and peaceful society. The celebration of Independence Day also highlights a profound sense of nationalism and identity among the people of Kashmir. We are duty-bound to hold a deep respect for all our national symbols, with the foremost among them being our esteemed tricolour, the Tiranga.
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