Kolkata Marks 80 Years of Freedom with Flag Hoisting at Assembly Campus

The city of Kolkata observed India’s 80th Independence Day with a solemn flag‑raising ceremony at the West Bengal Legislative Assembly complex. Industries Minister Tapas Roy led the unfurling of the tricolour and extended greetings to fellow Indians.

Following the national anthem, the minister remarked that celebrations across the country are marked by enthusiasm and pride. He cited the “Har Ghar Tiranga” drive, which encourages every household to display the national flag, and noted that both central and state bodies have organized a series of cultural and civic events.

In West Bengal, the programme extended beyond the assembly to the Writers’ Building, Red Road and numerous districts, with clubs, schools and other institutions also hoisting the flag. Citizens displayed a noticeable surge of patriotic spirit.

Tapas Roy stressed that the day is a tribute to India’s unity, strength and sovereignty, recalling that various powers have historically tried to weaken the nation’s cohesion.

He appealed to the public to stand firm against any attempts to disrupt national unity, declaring that safeguarding the country’s integrity is a duty of every citizen and that India’s vigor stems from its collective solidarity.

At the same time, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addressed political leaders, urging them to set aside partisan differences and collaborate for the comprehensive development of the state. Speaking from Red Road, he emphasized Bengal’s historic contribution to the struggle for freedom and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the hopes of the people.