Let's promote patriotism by hoisting the National Flag

As the country's 75th Independence Day is to be celebrated on August 15, Chief Minister M.K.Stalin will hoist the National Flag on the tall flagpole located on the bastion of Fort St. George. On the same day, the Chief Ministers of the respective states across India will hoist the National Flag.

What is now a common occurrence was once unusual. Not many people would know that this right was given to the Chief Ministers elected by the people because the struggle of the late former Chief Minister, Kalaignar Karunanidhi. In February 1974, the then Chief Miniser Kalaignar Karunanidhi requested that the state Chief Ministers be given the right to hoist the National Flag on Independence Day.

Kalaignar Karunanidhi argued that like the President on Republic Day and the Prime Minister on Independence Day, the Governor of the State and the Chief Minister on Independence Day can hoist the National Flag.

While Karunanidhi’s idea was appreciated by various parties, the Union Government accepted this demand of Karunanidhi despite opposition. Accordingly, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi issued an order that state Chief Ministers could hoist the National flag on Independence Day. 

Accordingly, since August 15, 1974, the Chief Ministers of the states have hoisted the National Flag every year on Independence Day. 

The voice to hoist the National Flag by state chief ministers was first raised from Tamil Nadu. Karunanidhi owns that voice.The current Chief Minister M.K.Stalin has put the photo taken by M. Karunanidhi on his return from hoisting the National Flag for the first time on his Facebook page.

Kalaignar Karunanidhi was adopt at championing state rights. As we prepare to celebrate the 75th Independence Day with gusto, we will remember and honour Karunanidhi on his memorial day.

And everyone has been given permission to celebrate the 75th Independence Day by hoisting the National Flag at their homes and commercial establishments. From the coming 13th to the 15th, we will celebrate by hoisting the National Flag at home.

Let's develop patriotism!