THEY RESOLVE TO MAKE INDIA A BETTER PLACE

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT CAMPUS CULTURE On Independence Day, here’s how these Delhiites plan to bring about a change in the society CHANGE MINDSETS EVENTS GO GREEN ADVENTURE

“I want to play a part in changing people’s mindsets so that Delhi becomes a place where people, especially women, can live freely and wear what they want without being judged.”

Aday of pride for all Indians, Independence Day has also been declared as the ‘Sankalp Parva’ or ‘The Day of Resolve’ by the central government. The move urges people to not just celebrate with patriotic songs and kite-flying, but also dedicate themselves to social causes and share ideas for a better India.

We talk to Delhiites — celebrities and commoners — to know how they plan to contribute and make a difference in the society. “I’d try my best to change the thinking of the masses who believe that women aren’t meant to do many things. Changing our backward ways will be a great step towards a better country. I urge others to resolve to stand up against those who curb women’s freedom and think that they can get away with it.” “I resolve to carry my own bag (cloth bag or jute bag) whenever I go for grocery shopping, and will say no to plastic bags altogether.”

Parades, vibrant cultural events and the unfurling of the flag by the Prime Minister — that’s what’s witnessed live from the Red Fort on every Independence Day. Yet, not many are aware of the detailed preparations undertaken by the various security units, to ensure the success of these celebrations.

Jatin Narwal, DCP North, tells us what goes behind the scenes ahead of I-Day. “Police preparations start around three months before August 15,” says Narwal, adding, “Security arrangements are put in place, and a census of the area is conducted many times, [before the on ground work begins].”

Apart from coordination and conducting meetings with different security agencies, there are rehearsals and training programmes for the entire staff on duty, “They are told what precautions to take, and how to behave with [special] guests and other security agency personnel,” says Narwal.

The citizens might take the false alarms lightly but the Delhi Police doesn’t! Narwal says, “For every information that the police gets, the units dig deep into the matter.” And that’s how it’s ensured that Indians get to celebrate the independence.