GUWAHATI: The historic Judges' Field in Guwahati is all set to host Assam's official Independence Day function after a gap of 12 years and Guwahatians are filled with nostalgia at the sheer thought of it.
Judges' Field had been the venue of both the Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26) since 1947.
In 2008, the government of Assam decided to reserve the Judges' Field exclusively for sporting activities and the celebrations were thus shifted to Latasil Playground.
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Eventually, the celebrations of Independence Day and Republic Day were shifted to the playground of College of Veterinary Science at Khanapara.
With the Khanapara Veterinary ground being currently used as COVID care centre, the government has decided to organize the Independence Day function at Judges' Field this year.
I-Day celebrations to be low-key affair in Assam
Due to the prevalence of the coronavirus pandemic, the government of Assam has curbed the extensive celebration that is usually held on Independence Day each year.
The government has issued new guidelines that are to be adhered to during the function.
The 74th Independence Day celebration in Guwahati will not see the participation of any students, NCC and Scouts & Guides cadets in the march-past. No cultural and sports programs or refreshments will be organized.
While the names of awardees will be announced on the occasion, the actual awards will be handed over at their respective residences by the respective Deputy Commissioners.
Further, all audiences and officials present are to be screened for COVID-19 before attending the function. All are to follow the COVID protocols of wearing masks and social distancing strictly.
Corona Warriors among sparse crowd to attend the celebrations
In a first, Assam is set to celebrate the 74th Independence Day without the usual crowd that throngs the venue.
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The invitation shall not exceed one-third of the seating capacity of the venue. And, amongst the distinguished invitees will be doctors, health and sanitization workers, and even a few COVID survivors. The aim of inviting COVID warriors is to recognize the services rendered by them in the fight against the pandemic.
Given the surge in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, the chief minister will be delivering the live Independence Day speech in front of a limited gathering.
The preparations at Judges’ Field are underway keeping social distancing as a priority.
It may be mentioned here that the Ministry of Home Affairs has sent detailed guidelines to the states for Independence Day celebrations amidst the pandemic and said that the COVID-19 protocols should be strictly observed.
The Home Ministry guidelines instructed the states to avoid large congregations and to ensure that everyone attending the functions should maintain social distancing and wear masks. The guidelines said that the states should try to arrange for webcast of the functions to reach out to the masses.
Programme Schedule:
4:30 AM – Prabhat Geetanjali
7:00 AM – Hoisting of National Flag at the official residence of government functionaries
7:30 AM – Hoisting of National Flag at all government, semi government officers, educational institutes
7:45 AM – Assembly of contingents for parade at Judges’ Field, Guwahati
8:15 AM – Arrival of invitees and public
9 AM – Ceremonial flag hoisting at Judges’ Field followed by guard of honour and parade by Assam Police and central paramilitary forces
10 AM – Distribution of fruits to the inmates of Central Jail, patients of MMC Hospital, B. Borooah Cancer Hospital, TB Hospital, inmates of Destitute Home at Jalukbari, orphanage of Fatasil Ambari, students of Blind School at Basistha and Deaf & Dumb School at Kahilipara
6:30 PM – Illumination of government buildings, private residences
