Tricolour Soars Over Menchuka as Schoolchildren Lead Har Ghar Tiranga Rally

EduNe Bureau

In the remote border town of Menchuka in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi-Yomi district, it was the bright-eyed schoolchildren who first caught the attention of onlookers. Dressed in crisp uniforms and waving the national flag with infectious enthusiasm, they set the tone for a day steeped in patriotism.

The occasion was the Har Ghar Tiranga Rally, organised jointly by the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Indian Air Force (IAF), and the Civil Administration as part of the Independence Day celebrations. What followed was a stirring display of unity and national pride as more than 600 participants — including local residents, students, and uniformed personnel — marched in unison from the iconic Menchuka Gate to the Menchuka Advanced Landing Ground (ALG). Their voices rang out in spirited chants, carrying across the lush valley.

Menchuka, often called the “hidden valley” of Arunachal, lies barely 29 km from the India–China border. Known for its high-altitude grasslands, snow-clad peaks, and deep cultural ties with the Memba tribe, the town has in recent years also gained prominence as a strategic forward location. Against this dramatic backdrop, the fluttering tricolour made for a sight both poetic and powerful.

As part of the rally, the organisers distributed National Flags to schoolchildren and households across Menchuka, encouraging residents to join the nationwide Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. Launched in 2022 under the Government of India’s Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, the campaign urges citizens to hoist the tricolour at their homes between August 13 and 15, fostering a personal connection to the nation’s symbol.

Addressing the gathering, one of the organisers emphasised, “The Har Ghar Tiranga initiative is not just about hoisting a flag—it is about remembering the sacrifices of our forefathers and strengthening the unity of our great nation. Menchuka’s enthusiastic participation shows that patriotism thrives even in the remotest corners of India.”

For locals, the event carried a deeper significance. It was a reaffirmation of the enduring bond between the armed forces and the civilian population in this sensitive border belt, where cooperation and mutual respect have long been a way of life.

As the marchers reached the ALG, the crisp mountain air remained charged with emotion. The tricolour continued to ripple proudly against the brilliant blue sky, leaving behind not just a memory of celebration but a shared promise — of unity, pride, and a stronger India.