Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, January 26, 2026:
District Development Council (DDC) Chairperson Kishtwar, Pooja Thakur, today unfurled the National Flag at the main Republic Day function held at Kishtwar, marking India’s 77th Republic Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm.
The ceremonial event was attended by senior civil and police officials, elected representatives, security personnel, students and a large number of citizens. Colourful cultural performances and an impressive march-past by contingents added grandeur to the celebrations.
Pooja Thakur appeared in a graceful pastel floral saree layered with a beige winter coat, paired with a matching blouse and a traditional pink ceremonial turban (safa), reflecting a blend of cultural pride and seasonal elegance. She wore a Tricolour rosette on her coat along with a delicate brooch, while subtle jewellery and a red bindi added to her poised and dignified appearance. Her attire, harmonised with the national colours, lent added symbolic significance and ceremonial grace to the Republic Day celebrations as she presided over the function.
Significantly, today’s Republic Day function assumes special importance for the DDC Chairperson, as it is her last opportunity to unfurl or hoist the National Flag on Republic Day or Independence Day, with her five-year tenure scheduled to conclude next month.
In her address, Pooja Thakur paid rich tributes to the freedom fighters and martyrs who laid down their lives for the nation, and reiterated the commitment of the DDC towards inclusive development, improved infrastructure and strengthening grassroots democracy in the district.
She highlighted various developmental initiatives undertaken during her tenure, including works related to road connectivity, education, health services and rural development, stating that sustained efforts were being made to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the last person in the queue.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the function, the DDC Chairperson described her close electoral contest with Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma as one of her biggest political achievements, terming it a defining moment of her political journey.
Expressing optimism about the future of local self-governance, Pooja Thakur said she remains hopeful that after the upcoming elections, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Chairperson-led bodies will be further strengthened, enabling more empowered grassroots leadership and effective implementation of development programmes.
She also extended Republic Day greetings to the people of Kishtwar and urged citizens, especially youth, to actively participate in nation-building while upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution.
The celebrations concluded with a renewed pledge to work collectively for peace, progress and prosperity of the district and the country at large.
