India’s strength lies in respecting diversity and progressing together, Kerala Minister for Labour, Animal Husbandry, and Women and Child Development, Bindu Krishna, said while delivering the 80th Independence Day address at a district-level event at Captain Vikram Ground, West Hill, in Kozhikode on Saturday.
She said freedom was not merely liberation from foreign rule, but the right to live without fear, express opinions, protect faith and culture, access equal opportunities, and live with dignity.
Kerala Minister for Labour, Animal Husbandry, and Women and Child Development, Bindu Krishna, reviewing the line-up of different platoons to hoist the national flag during the district-level Independence Day celebrations at Captain Vikram Ground in West Hill in Kozhikode on Saturday
| Photo Credit:
K. Ragesh
Reflecting on August 15, 1947, the Minister noted that independence was the result of sacrifices by ordinary people and leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Maulana Azad, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who fought for an India rooted in human dignity, equality, and justice.
Addressing modern challenges, Ms. Krishna highlighted that while India has achieved significant progress in science, technology, space, and infrastructure, it still faces issues such as unemployment, price rises, economic inequality, environmental degradation, and digital divides.
‘Dissent vital to democracy’
The Minister stressed that dissent is vital to democracy, warning against hatred and division. Emphasising Kerala’s human development model, she noted that true progress reflects in the qualitative improvement of ordinary lives rather than infrastructure alone.
“Women’s freedom, including safe travel, financial independence, and self-determination, remains a key measure of social progress, supported by initiatives like the Priyadarshini Free Travel Scheme for women and transgender individuals,“ she added.
The Minister added that employment with fair wages and safe working conditions is a fundamental right.
Paying tribute to Kargil martyr Captain P.V. Vikram, after whom the venue is named, the Minister called upon citizens to uphold constitutional values and build an egalitarian society.
Earlier, the Minister hoisted the national flag and took the salute at the parade featuring 23 platoons from various police units, Excise, Fire and Rescue Services, Forest, NCC, Student Police Cadets, and band teams.
District Collector M.S. Madhavikutty, Kozhikode City District Police Chief A.P. Shaukathali and Rural District Police Chief Merin Joseph also took the salute. Parade Commander Jose George (Reserve Inspector, DHQ Kozhikode Rural) and Second-in-Command SI Praveen Raj K. (DHQ Kozhikode City) led the parade.
Following the parade, trophies were awarded to top-performing units. DHQ Kozhikode City won first place in the uniformed services category, while BEM Girls Higher Secondary SPC secured first place in the children’s category. The ceremony concluded with the national anthem, followed by cultural performances by school students.
Kozhikode Mayor O. Sadashivan, MPs M.K. Raghavan and Shafi Parambil, several MLAs, District Panchayat president Milli Mohan, Sub-Collector S. Gautham Raj, ADM Shareena K., public representatives, officials, and residents were among those present.
(The writer, Aleesha V. Joseph, is an intern with The Hindu)
Published – August 15, 2026 01:30 pm IST
