Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, in association with Bharat Vikas Parishad, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Birth Anniversary Celebration Committee, Meerut, Krida Bharati, Rashtriya Sainik Sanstha and other social organisations, organised the grand Akhand Bharat Swatantrata Diwas Mahaparva-2026 at Kailash Prakash Stadium, Meerut.
The event witnessed the participation of thousands of students from over 50 schools and colleges, members of various civic organisations, intellectuals and social workers. The programme commenced with flag hoisting by the Chief Guest, Retired Lieutenant R. Madhavan Pillai of the Indian National Army (INA).
The dignitaries included Subharti Group Founder and the visionary behind the Mahaparva, Dr. Atul Krishna; historian Prof. Kapil Kumar; Colonel Tejendra Pal Tyagi, Vir Chakra (Retd.); CEO of Subharti University Prof. (Dr.) Shalya Raj; and Mahaparva Organising Committee Chairman Colonel Rajesh Tyagi, SM (Retd.).
Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant R. Madhavan Pillai highlighted the sacrifice and valour of freedom fighters and emphasised the importance of national unity, women’s dignity and cleanliness. Despite being over 100 years old, he inspired the audience by singing the famous INA song “Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja.”
Dr. Atul Krishna extended his greetings to all participants and emphasised that October 21 should be recognised as India’s actual Independence Day, recalling the historic declaration of sovereignty by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on October 21, 1943, with the establishment of the Azad Hind Government. He urged the Government of India to give this historic declaration its rightful place in national memory and consider recognising the date as India’s Independence Day.
The highlight of the celebration was a grand patriotic rally that proceeded from Kailash Prakash Stadium through Ambedkar Tiraha, Chandra Shekhar Azad Chowk and Netaji Chowk before returning to the stadium. The dignitaries, along with Dr. Atul Krishna, also received the rally at Netaji Subhas Chowk.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Colonel Rajesh Tyagi, SM (Retd.), while Dr. Monika Mehrotra conducted the proceedings. Various civic organisations actively supported the rally by arranging refreshments for participants and students along the route.
The Mahaparva conveyed a strong message of patriotism, national unity and the preservation of India’s glorious heritage, inspiring participants to uphold the values of राष्ट्रसेवा and national integrity.
