25-Nov-2022: Work on India's first-ever Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh’s Hanle going on in full swing and shall be complete in over a month’s time
The work on India's first-ever Night Sky Sanctuary, being set up by CSIR under Union Ministry of Science & Technology, in Ladakh’s Hanle is going on in full swing and shall be complete in over a month’s time. The Night Sky Sanctuary will attract tourists from across the world over to picturesque Ladakh and also boost Astro-tourism in the region.
This was stated here today by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, when Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, R K Mathur called on him at North Block today.
This was a follow-up to the meeting held between the two in the month of September this year, when the Union Minister had announced that the setting up of India’s first-ever "Night Sky Sanctuary" in Ladakh, the Dark Sky Reserve will be completed within 3 months. The two leaders also discussed a wide range of development related issues pertaining to the Union Territory.
RK Mathur apprised the Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh about the Rozgar Mela held on 31st October in Ladakh where the UT Administration gave away appointment letters to around one thousand local youth, furthering the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give jobs to the deserving youth of the country.
While discussing the various projects, Dr Jitendra Singh said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always accorded highest priority to Ladakh and other peripheral regions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated the efforts of RK Mathur-led Ladakh administration in carrying out development work in various spheres in Ladakh. The Union Minister assured all possible assistance of the Centre in completion of developmental projects in the UT.
Mathur informed the Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh about the status of several public welfare and developmental projects in Ladakh.
In a unique and first-of-its-kind initiative, the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt of India, has undertaken to set up India’s first-ever "Night Sky Sanctuary" in Ladakh. The proposed Dark Sky Reserve will be located at Hanle in Ladakh as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. It will boost Astro tourism in India and will be one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes.
3-Sep-2022: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh says, India’s first-ever "Night Sky Sanctuary" to be set up in Ladakh
In a unique and first-of-its-kind initiative, the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt of India, has undertaken to set up India’s first-ever "Night Sky Sanctuary" in Ladakh which will be completed within next three months.
The proposed Dark Sky Reserve will be located at Hanle in Ladakh as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. It will boost Astro tourism in India and will be one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infra-red, and gamma-ray telescopes.
This was informed by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh after meeting Lt. Governor Ladakh R.K. Mathur, who called on him at the national capital today.
The Union Minister informed that a tripartite MoU was signed recently among the UT administration, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) for launching the Dark Space Reserve. He said, the site will have activities to help in boosting local tourism and economy through interventions of Science and Technology.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that all the stakeholders will jointly work towards the preservation of the night sky from unwanted light pollution and illumination, which is a serious threat to the scientific observations and natural sky conditions. It may be noted that Hanle is best suited for the project as it is located in Ladakh’s cold desert region, away from any form of human disturbance and clear sky conditions and dry weather conditions exist throughout the year, the Minister added.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, a high level delegation of scientists and officials from Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai will visit Ladakh by the end of this year to explore the possibility of setting up a regional branch of CLRI, as the UT has a very rich and wide variety of animals for leather research and industry and to promote bio-economy of animal skin-derived products. He added that Charthang in Ladakh has over 4 lakh animals mainly pashmina goats, besides Sheep and Yak. He also complimented CSIR for organising 4 training workshops, two each at Leh and Kargil for treatment of diseases of famous Pashmina Goats.
Dr Jitendra Singh also thanked the Ladakh Administration for taking a decision to start the commercial plantation of “Leh Berry”, which is gaining popularity in the entire region. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the aegis of Union Ministry of Science & Technology is promoting "Leh Berry" which is an exclusive food product of the cold desert and also a means of wide-ranging entrepreneurship as well as self-livelihood.
The Minister said, as per the vision of Prime Minister Modi’s Ladakh visit in 2018, the local entrepreneurs will be provided gainful employment through farming, processing and marketing of about 100 odd products from sea buckthorn plant like jams, juices, herbal tea, vitamin C supplements, healthy drinks, cream, oils, and soaps in a completely organic manner. Shri Mathur informed that commercial cultivation of three medicinal plants will begin this spring season at the height of above 15,000 feet. This also includes “Sanjeevani Booty”, locally known as “Sola” which has a very high life saving and therapeutic properties.
Dr Jitendra Singh conveyed to LG, Ladakh that from next year, the Department of Science and Technology will establish a distinct and huge pavilion for Ladakh Education Fair, which will be an annual feature as announced by Shri Mathur. The Minister said, DST will actively participate in correct subject choice, scholarships, career guidance, skills development and apprenticeship with prime focus of employability of youth.
12-Aug-2022: Government of India celebrates Har Ghar Tiranga program
The Government of India is celebrating Har Ghar Tiranga Program from 11th August – 15thAugust, 2022. Under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav year, the Government of India under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrate the event at 400 iconic sites across the country.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India in collaboration with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) and Valsad District Co-operative Milk Producers Union Ltd. (Dudhsagar Dairy) celebrated the Har Ghar Tiranga Program National Salt Satyagraha Memorial, Dandi, Navsari, Gujarat on 12th August, 2022.
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India graced the event with his presence as Chief Guest in august presence of various dignitaries. Union Minister hoisted the National Flag at National Salt Satyagraha Memorial, Dandi, Gujarat and felicitated the family members of Martyrs/Freedom Fighters. Union Minister also motivated people to actively participate in Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
The Government of Gujarat provided all administrative and logistic support enthusiastically to make the event grand success.
11-Aug-2022: Department of Posts with its omnipresent network of 1.5 lakh Post Offices take “Har Ghar Tiranga” Programme to every citizen of country
Department of Posts with its omnipresent network of 1.5 lakh Post Offices, has taken “Har Ghar Tiranga” Programme to every citizen of the country. Within a short span of 10 days, India Post has sold more than 1 crore National Flags, through Post offices as well as online, to citizens. These Flags have been sold by the Department at a very economical price of Rs. 25/- . For online sale, the Department has provided free doorstep delivery to any address across the country; more than 1.75 Lakh flags have been purchased online by the citizens through the ePost Office facility.
4.2 lakh strong Postal employees across the country have enthusiastically propagated the message of “Har Ghar Tiranga” in cities, towns and villages, in border areas, in LWE Districts, and in mountainous & Tribal areas. Through Prabhat Pheris, Bike Rally and Choupals sabhas, India Post has taken the message of “Har Ghar Tiranga” to every section of the society. Social Media tools like twitter and Facebook have also been extensively used for spreading the message of the programme among digitally connected citizens.
The sale of the National Flag through Post Offices is open till 15 August 2022. Citizens can walk in, to the nearest Post Offices or visit the epost office (epostoffice.gov.in) and obtain their National Flag and become a part of “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign. Citizens can also take a selfie with the Flag and upload it on www.harghartiranga.com and register their participation in the largest celebration of New India.
6-Aug-2022: Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign: Post Offices to remain open on all days including on holidays till Independence Day
To facilitate the sales and distribution of National Flags under Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign, all Post Offices will function on holidays, falling before Independence Day 2022.
All delivery Post Offices and other important post offices, across the country will be functional to the extent for supporting this public campaign.
Special arrangements will be made for the sale of National Flags on public holidays i.e. on 7th, 9th and 14th August 2022 through at least one counter at Post Offices. Special arrangements will also be made for the delivery of the National Flags in all delivery Post Offices.
2-Aug-2022: Ministry of Culture organised “Tiranga Utsav” to celebrate the contribution of Pingali Venkayya to the nation on the occasion of his 146th Birth Anniversary today
The Ministry of Culture organized “Tiranga Utsav” -an evening filled with cultural and musical performances to celebrate the contributions of Pingali Venkayya to the nation on the occasion of his 146th Birth Anniversary in New Delhi today.
The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Home Affairs & Co-operation, Shri Amit Shah as the chief guest. The family members Pingali Venkayya were also present on the occasion. Other prominent personalities and dignitaries such as Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri G. Kishan Reddy; Minister for Communication, Electronics & Information Technology & Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw; Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal; Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi and Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan also attended this patriotic extravaganza.
The commemorative Postal Stamp in the honor of Pingali Venkayya was released by Shri Amit Shah during the event. The Tiranga Utsav also witnessed the release of ‘Amar Chitra Katha’ in the memory of revolutionary Tribal fighters of Indian freedom struggle. Family members of Pingali Venkayya were felicitated by Union Home Minister Shri Amit at the event. The Tiranga Anthem was also launched.
Addressing on the occasion, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah urged citizens to change the DP of their social media accounts to Tiranga to show love and respect towards the National Flag. The Home Minister said that we are celebrating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and the Prime Minister has given a clarion call to the people for hoisting the national flag in their homes between 13th-15th August. By taking part in Har Ghar Tiranga, we are paying our tribute to those who laid down their lives for their countries, he added.
On the occasion, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Shri G. Kishan Reddy welcomed the dignitaries and said that on this date in 1876, the unsung hero Shri Pingali Venkayya, the man who designed the national flag, was born and played an important role in different movements including Swadeshi Andolan under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. The Union Minister added that Union government has organized a programme in the memory of Sh. Pingale Venkayya to honour his contributions.
Pingali Venkayya, a freedom fighter and the designer of India’s National Flag was a follower of Gandhian principles, and it was upon the request of Mahatma Gandhi that he designed the Indian National Flag with saffron, white and green colors with chakra in the middle.
1-Aug-2022: Smt Meenakashi Lekhi flags off 40 LED vans to make people aware about Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign
Union Minister of State for Culture Smt Meenakashi Lekhi flagged off 40 LED vans today in New Delhi to give impetus to Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign.
On the occasion, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi motivated the public to take active part in the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign by hoisting flags at their homes from 13th -15th August.
Union Minister also said, “Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign was launched by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and we have flagged off Video Vans to make people aware about the campaign.” Smt Meenakashi Lekhi urged the people to take part in the campaign enthusiastically to pay respect to our freedom fighters, to strengthen the feeling of patriotism and to ensure Jan Bhagidari in the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav which marks 75 years of India’s Independence.
The Union Minister also added “Whatever we do, the inspiration is always Tiranga and we live with it and can die for it.”
The vans will travel all across Delhi providing information about Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign and Amrit Mahotsav. The vans will also display information pertaining to the Tiranga Utsav to be organised at Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi on 2nd August.
22-Jul-2022: PM urges people to strengthen the Har Ghar Tiranga Movement
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has urged the people to strengthen the Har Ghar Tiranga Movement. Shri Modi also recalled the monumental courage and efforts of those who dreamt of a flag for free India. He has also shared some interesting nuggets from history including details of the committee associated with our Tricolour and the first Tricolour unfurled by Pandit Nehru. He said that 22nd July has a special relevance in our history as on this day in 1947, our National Flag was adopted.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said;
"This year, when we are marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, let us strengthen the Har Ghar Tiranga Movement. Hoist the Tricolour or display it in your homes between 13th and 15th August. This movement will deepen our connect with the national flag."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign today to encourage people to bring the Tiranga home and hoist it to mark the 75th year of India’s independence. The idea behind the initiative is to invoke the feeling of patriotism in the hearts of the people and to celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in the spirit of Jan Bhagidari.
State, Union Territories, and Ministries are participating extensively in the campaign with full fervor. NGOs and Self-Help Groups from various places are already contributing towards making Har Ghar Tiranga, an iconic benchmark in the success path of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Places such as Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir, and Mandala in Madhya Pradesh are proving themselves to be an iconic example of showcasing people’s participation or Jan Bhagidari in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. This campaign aims to have flags hoisted across the country from 13th to 15th August 2022.
Various events involving people from all walks of life will also be organized at various locations connected with Freedom Struggle, to portray the patriotism and unity of the entire country.
The government of India has taken various steps to ensure the supply of flags across India. All Post Offices in the country shall start selling flags from 1st August 2022. In addition, state governments have also tied up with various stakeholders for the supply and sale of flags. The Indian National Flag has also been registered on the GeM portal.
The government of India has also tied up with various e-commerce websites and self-help groups to streamline the process of the supply of the Flag.
Apart from physically hoisting the flag, there are also virtual ways to participate in this campaign. Ministry of Culture has launched a website https://harghartiranga.com/ where one can ‘Pin a Flag’ and also post a ‘Selfie with Flag’ to showcase one’s patriotism.
The initiative of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12th March 2021 to celebrate and commemorate 75 glorious years of Independence of India.
Since its launch, the initiative has successfully showcased the magnificence of Indian culture all across the globe. With over 50,000 events successfully held across 28 States, 8 UTs, and 150+ countries, the initiative of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav is one of the largest programs ever organized in terms of scope and participation.
8-Aug-2022: Promotion of Culture and Heritage in NER
The Ministry of Development of Northern Region under the “Schemes of NEC” supports proposal which promotes the comparative strengths and potential of the North Eastern Region (NER) through various promotional activities like Road Shows, Business Summits, Conventions, Seminars, Workshops and specialized Media Campaigns etc. “Destination North East” a comprehensive promotional show, showcasing the rich art and culture of NER was successfully organized in various cities in Chandigarh (2017), Delhi (2018) and Varanasi (2019) in which the artists and artisans from North East participated along with opportunities for B2B interaction. Further, during the Madhavpur Ghed festival held at Madhavpur in Gujarat during April 10th-13th 2022 along with the participation of artists and artisans from the 8 NE States, 84 persons from the State of Arunachal Pradesh also attended as part of the family of Rani Rukmini.
Further, under the National Cultural Exchange Programme (NCEP) funded by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, various Festivals of performing arts, exhibitions, yatras etc. are organized in member states. Artists from other zones/states are invited to participate in these programmes and get a platform for exchanging cultural ties apart from acquainting the common people with the rich diversity of Indian culture.
As per the Ministry of Education, under the banner of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), ‘Akam-Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) has been initiated. The programme will facilitate students’ visit to their paired state and UT (as per pairing matrix of EBSB). The broad plan is for 750 school students and 750 college students together visit their paired states on a 5-day tour (excluding travel time) in the month of June to September 2022 during which they will gain firsthand experience of various socio-cultural and other aspect of life in that state/UT.
As per the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), under the Skill India Mission, a flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to impart skill development training to prospective youth of the country is implemented. Since inception of PMKVY i.e. 2015, as on 30.06.2022, 4.41 lakh candidates have been trained under Short Term Training (STT) and 7.25 lakh candidates have been oriented under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in the North Eastern States. Further, the Department of School Education and Literacy is implementing “Vocationalisation of School Education” under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of “Samagra Shiksha”. Under the scheme, National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant vocational courses are offered to the school students from class 9th to 12th in the covered schools. Employability Skill module has been a mandatory part of the vocational courses which consists of Communication Skill, Self-Management Skills, Information & Communication Technology Skills, Entrepreneurship Skills and Green Skills.