Democracy and secularism, two fundamental values of the country, should be preserved, said Minister for Higher Education Roji M. John.

He was delivering the Independence Day message at the celebrations organised at the Ernakulam Collectorate Parade Ground. Independence Day was also the day when the idea of India and its diversity were upheld. Like B.R. Ambedkar said, independence will be complete when along with political freedom, the social and economic freedom of every citizen is ensured, Mr. John said.

“Indians desire for a freedom to speak up, think and express their divergent views. A country free of divisions based on religion, caste, race, and language needs to be built. Not divisions but a nationalism that takes everyone alone is relevant in contemporary India,” he said.

Mr. John hoisted the national flag to mark the inauguration of the district-level Independence Day celebrations and took salute of the parading platoons. Earlier district collector G. Priyanka, District Police Chiefs for Kochi and Ernakulam Rural Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar and K.S. Sudarshan also took the salute at the parade. Uma Thomas, MLA, was also present.

Vice-Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command (SNC), laid a wreath and paid homage at the SNC War Memorial in honour of the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty top mark the Independence Day. He inspected the 50-men Guard and reviewed the ceremonial parade comprising contingents of the Indian Navy, NCC and Sea Cadet Corps at INS Garuda. Mr. Saxena highlighted the evolution of Indian Navy from a modest coastal force into a “combat-ready, credible, cohesive and future-ready force with blue-water capability, nuclear deterrence and presence across areas of maritime interests". Today, the Indian Navy stands as the preferred security partner and the first responder in the region. Naval ships were ‘dressed overall’ with signal flags, while various units and establishments proudly flew the National Flag as part of the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.

Major Archbishop Mar Raphael Thattil hoisted the national flag and delivered the Independence Day message at Mount St. Thomas, the headquarters of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church. He reminded that Independence in not only about enjoying rights but a major responsibility as well while drawing attention to the importance of preserving the country’s unity and integrity.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited managing director Loknath Behera hoisted national flag at the Operation Control Centre of Kochi Metro in Muttom and water metro jetty at Fort Kochi. He took the salute of the security officers. Hailing the excellence of Kochi Metro, he said that the country is progressing fast towards becoming an advanced country by 2047. Mr. Behera distributed awards for excellence to security officials.

Published - August 15, 2026 03:56 pm IST