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Cricketer Gautam Gambhir urges people to not discard the National Flag after Independen­ce Day

Gautam Gambhir says that the national flags, which are hoisted on Independen­ce Day, should not be thrown in dustbins or on the roads

- Monika Rawal Kukreja monika.rawal@htlive.com

Whether it is voicing his concern against kids selling national flags on the roads, or posting heartfelt messages saluting our martyred soldiers on occasions such as Kranti Diwas and Kargil Diwas — cricketer Gautam Gambhir (right) has always been vocal about subjects pertaining to his motherland.

Adding another feather to his cap, the cricketer, on the occasion of 70th Independen­ce Day, has joined hands with Fever FM to drive the initiative ‘Respect the Flag’. Every year on August 15, millions of flags are purchased by Indians and once the purpose is fulfilled, these flags are littered on the roads the next day.

Under the ambit of Fever Voice of Change and Bharat Positive, this new initiative urges people to ensure that no flag is littered, rather it’s kept carefully.

On being associated with this initiative, Gambhir says, “Our flag is our identity and we can’t disrespect or let anyone else disrespect it. Therefore, the flags that we proudly flutter on August 15th should not be relegated to dustbins or littered on the roads the next day. This is the least that those of us, who can’t fight on the front, can do for our country.”

While it’s very common for Indians to feel patriotic, many times this sentiment doesn’t reflect in their attitude towards the country’s national flag. During Independen­ce Day, citizens get

We can’t disrespect the flag. This is the least that those of us who can’t fight on the front, can do for our country GAUTAM GAMBHIR, CRICKETER

tempted to buy the tricolour souvenirs being sold at traffic signals and markets. Many put a flag on their car or give it to the kids to carry proudly. But soon, the flags are left abandoned on the streets.

Addressing this very concern, Fever FM has also released a video with Gambhir, which shows how citizens litter the national flag and one must take responsibi­lity and ensure that it doesn’t happen. So, on this Independen­ce Day, come forward and join hands with this initiative and make a difference. Jai Hind!

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 ??  ?? PHOTO: WASEEM GASHROO/HT
PHOTO: WASEEM GASHROO/HT
 ??  ?? Major D.P. Singh (Retd.), war hero and blade runner (left) with Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir
Major D.P. Singh (Retd.), war hero and blade runner (left) with Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir

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