The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Durgapur, celebrated the spirit of patriotism and unity with the event "Har Ghar Tiranga" on the morning of 14th August 2023. The event was graced by the presence of the esteemed director of the institute, Prof. Arvind Chaubey, who led the gathering in commemorating the occasion.
The celebrations commenced with a vibrant "Prabhat Pheri", a morning procession, that kickstarted at 6:45am and continued until 8am. The procession covered various significant locations within the institute's campus, including the Administrative Block, Main Gate, Main Academic Building, Netaji Subhas Chandra Hall of Residence (Hall 1), Dr. J. C. Bose Hall of Residence (Hall 2), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Hall of Residence (Hall 14), and finally the Ovals Ground. The procession was accompanied by a parade featuring members of the National Service Scheme (NSS), NIT Durgapur wing, adding a sense of discipline and unity to the event.
The climax of the procession saw all participants gather, holding a handful of "Desh Ki Mitti" (Soil of the Nation), and pledged to uphold the unity and integrity of the country. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, as the participants took a collective vow to continue contributing to the growth and prosperity of the nation.
Approximately 250-300 students and faculty members participated in the event, showcasing their unwavering dedication towards their motherland. However, the event also carried a poignant reminder of the changing times. Despite a significant percentage of students (about 50%) being Bengali, it was disheartening to observe that a substantial number of them did not actively participate in the celebrations. This contrasted with the historical narrative of Bengalis playing a pivotal role in India's fight for independence against the British Empire. We regret that the fervour that once inspired Bengalis to stand united against colonial rule appeared to be dwindling, giving way to modern distractions.
As the event concluded, the institute's director, Prof. Arvind Chaubey, expressed his gratitude to all participants for their enthusiasm and commitment to the occasion. He emphasized the importance of preserving the values and ideals that the Indian flag symbolizes and encouraged everyone to contribute positively to the nation's growth.
"Har Ghar Tiranga" at NIT Durgapur stood as a testament to the institute's commitment to nurturing not only academic excellence but also a sense of national pride and unity among its students and faculty. It underscored the significance of instilling these values in the younger generation to ensure a prosperous and harmonious future for the nation.
