In less than three months time, Bikaner is once again ready to host an important state function. Rajasthan Chief Minsiter Bhajan Lal has decided to hoist flag on Independence Day in Bikaner.
The district bordering Pakistan has already proven its hospitality and hosting capability in the month of May while organising the Smart Border Mission where Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the status of security arrangements along the Rajasthan border.
Bikaner Collector Nishant Jain and Superintendent of Police Mridul Kachawa – both left no stone unturned to make that meeting a success.
Now once again the onus is on the shoulders of both the officers to make this Independence Day celebrations a memorable one. The opportunity to host this state function has come to Bikaner after 19 years. In 2007, Bikaner had the opportunity to hoist the Independence Day flag when Vasundhara Raje was the Chief Minister.
When Bhajan Lal Sharma took over as Chief Minister in December 2023, he had held 2024 celebrations at the capital Jaipur followed by 2025 in Jodhpur. This time Bikaner will be the host.
District administration gears up
Bikaner Collector Nishant Jain has directed all the district officials to step up the preparations. Various departments have been handed over with the responsibilities. Jain personally is keeping a tab on the preparations and instructing officials to ensure seamless hosting of the event.
The main ceremony will take place at Karni Singh Stadium. It will be a two-hour programme featuring various performances and cultural presentations. The rehearsals for these programmes are already in progress. Around 1,200 children will participate in this grand programme, which will be a spectacular event filled with patriotism and devotion,” Jain said.
As part of preparation, all the important roads have been metalled with proper sanitation and cleanliness. While the At Home function will be organised n the Independence Day eve, Rajasthan Chief Minister will hoist flag on August 15 amid colourful cultural events. He will also felicitate officials for remarkable contributions.
“The entire city will be drenched in lights for three days – August 14-16. A full dress rehearsal will be organised organised on August 13 to ensure error free holding of the event.
Why Bikaner was chosen?
Rajasthan Chief Minister got confidence in Bikaner administration after its successful hosting of Smart Border Mission. Amit Shah went satisfied with the arrangements during the review meeting.
“This might have prompted Bhajan Lal Sharma to choose Bikaner for the ‘offsite' Independence Day Celebration. Also being a border district – just 168 kms from Pakistan – it will give a strong message to the neighbour,” said Rakesh Bhardwaj, a Delhi based Political Observer, who has a keen interest in developments in Rajasthan.
