150 Years of Vande Mataram and Partition Horror Remembrance Day
Chandigarh: Haryana has launched extensive statewide preparations for one of its largest patriotic public outreach initiatives, with Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi directing all Administrative Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and Vice Chancellors to ensure seamless coordination for the successful organisation of the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026, marking 150 years of Vande Mataram, and the observance of Partition Horror Remembrance Day. The statewide patriotic campaign and related programmes will be organised from August 9 to 17
Chairing a high-level review meeting here on Friday, the Chief Secretary reviewed district-wise preparedness and stressed that the programmes should become a people’s movement that inspires patriotism, strengthens national unity and encourages citizens—particularly the youth—to connect with the nation’s history and democratic values. He said the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026 will begin with its State-level launch at Narnaul in Mahendragarh district on August 9, where Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will preside over the function. Deputy Commissioners and Vice Chancellors from all districts participated in the meeting through video conference, while Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments attended in person. Rastogi directed all district administrations to ensure maximum public participation through schools, colleges, universities, Resident Welfare Associations, youth clubs, civil society organisations, self-help groups and local communities. He said every department must work in close coordination to ensure that every programme is organised in a dignified, disciplined and citizen-centric manner.
Giving a detailed presentation, Director General, Information, Public Relations, Languages and Culture, K. Makrand Pandurang, informed that on August 9 the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign 2026 will begin with its State-level launch at Narnaul in Mahendragarh district, where Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will preside over the function. The highlight of the inaugural programme will be a 10-kilometre Tiranga Marathon, expected to attract nearly 35,000 participants. About 25,000 National Flags will be distributed among participants to encourage every household to proudly hoist the Tricolour during the campaign.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure extensive documentation of the campaign through photographs and videos and asked all districts to actively promote the ‘Selfie with Tiranga’ initiative. He said citizens should be encouraged to upload their photographs on the Har Ghar Tiranga portal, creating a digital repository of public participation in the nationwide campaign.
Statewide Patriotic Programmes Planned
Pandurang informed that a wide range of patriotic activities have been planned across Haryana, including Vande Mataram-themed Tiranga Concerts, Tiranga and Vande Mataram exhibitions, bike, cycle and e-bike rallies, district-level Tiranga processions, illumination of government buildings in the colours of the National Flag, large patriotic rangoli displays, digital outreach campaigns, and exhibitions at district, block and panchayat levels.
Special Tiranga Selfie Points will also be established across the State to encourage greater public participation, while government buildings, hospitals, educational institutions, markets, bridges, roundabouts and other prominent public places will be illuminated in the colours of the National Flag during the campaign period.
He also urged Deputy Commissioners to organise exhibitions in shopping malls, railway stations, city parks and other high-footfall public places to reach larger sections of society and familiarise citizens, especially young people, with the history of the National Flag and the enduring significance of Vande Mataram.
Gurugram to Host State-Level Partition Horror Remembrance Day Programme
Reviewing preparations for Partition Horror Remembrance Day, to be observed on August 14, the Chief Secretary said the observance should serve not only as a tribute to the millions displaced and affected by the Partition of India but also as an educational initiative to preserve their stories for future generations.
Pandurang said commemorative programmes would be organised across all districts, while the State-level function will be held in Gurugram. The programme will feature exhibitions, documentary screenings, cultural performances, narration of stories by Partition-affected families and other activities aimed at preserving oral history and promoting awareness about one of the defining chapters in India’s history.
Educational Institutions to Lead Public Participation
Director General of Higher Education, S. Narayanan, informed the meeting that schools, colleges and universities will play a pivotal role in ensuring public participation. Students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, Bharat Scouts and Guides, youth organisations and community groups will actively participate in Tiranga rallies, exhibitions and awareness programmes across all districts.
