The sarpanch of Jaloya, known as “India’s last village” in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, has been invited as a special guest for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations in recognition of the village’s support to the armed forces during Operation Sindoor.
Thanabhai Dodia, whose village lies about 20 kilometres from the India-Pakistan border, will attend the ceremony at Delhi’s Red Fort in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The invitation honours the villagers’ role during the operation, when they provided machinery and labour to assist the armed forces.
Dodia expressed gratitude to both the Gujarat and central governments for the recognition.
“I have been invited as a special guest for Independence Day celebrations to be held on August 15th at Red Fort in Delhi in the presence of Shri Narendra Bhai Modi Sahib. I am thankful to the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat and the authorities from the bottom of my heart. This is the first programme after Operation Sindoor in which I have been invited as the sarpanch of my last village in the border area,” he said.
Recalling the operation, he said villagers had stepped forward whenever help was needed.
“During the war in Operation Sindoor, when the machines were needed, we gave machines, and when labourers were needed, people stood ready. Keeping that in mind, we have been invited. Modi ji has given this opportunity to the sarpanch of the last village. I am grateful for this,” he added.
Dodia noted that the Border Security Force (BSF) has maintained close coordination with the village.
“Operation Sindoor was going on, and BSF was in touch with us. We have a good liaison in the border area. We sit together, plan and work together. The villagers have always helped the BSF, and the BSF has also helped us a lot,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Gujarat government is preparing extensive Independence Day celebrations in Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will lead the flag-hoisting ceremony there.
Gujarat Legislative Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary will hoist the flag at Mehsana, while members of the State Cabinet and District Collectors will perform the ceremony at various district headquarters.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 9 praised the “phenomenal” participation in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, saying it reflects the deep patriotic spirit that unites India and the pride in the Tricolour. He urged citizens to keep sharing photographs and selfies on harghartiranga.com.
“Glad to see #HarGharTiranga receiving phenomenal participation across India. This shows the deep patriotic spirit that unites our people and their unwavering pride in the Tricolour. Do keep sharing photos and selfies on harghartiranga.com,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
The Ministry of Culture also expressed its delight, writing, “We are elated to see the enthusiasm surrounding the #HarGharTiranga campaign. From Kashmir to Lakshadweep and from Gujarat to Sikkim, the heartwarming images of people proudly hoisting the Tricolour show the deep connection that every Indian has with the National Flag.”
According to the ministry, this year’s campaign will run from August 2 to 15th, with the government urging citizens to hoist the national flag at their homes.
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