Indore (Madhya Pradesh): As the nation approaches another Independence Day, Seva Surbhi gets active to give a push to ignite the spirit of patriotism among the youth, a work it has been doing for last 22 years.
Based in Indore, the organisation celebrates national festivals such as Independence Day and Republic Day with exceptional enthusiasm, alongside other occasions promoting national pride.
The highlight of their annual calendar is the Republic Day celebrations under the campaign “Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamara”. This event spans a fortnight, featuring group patriotic song competitions, painting contests, poetry recitals, youth rallies, candlelight tributes to unknown martyrs and special honours for the families of fallen soldiers. Each year, more than 10,000 school and college students, along with countless citizens, take part in these activities.
Seva Surbhi’s coordinator Omprakash Nareda explained that over two decades ago, a group of school friends decided to create unique programmes to keep the flame of patriotism alive year-round.
Noticing that national festivals were celebrated with less enthusiasm than religious or cultural ones, they decided to celebrate them on a grand scale.
One of the most striking features of their Republic Day festivities is the installation of a 25-foot-high and 18-foot-wide replica of the India Gate at Indore’s Gandhi Statue Square.
Constructed from plywood and cloth, this monument is accompanied by a martyrs’ memorial where a torch burns day and night for two weeks. During this period, people of all ages visit to offer floral tributes and sing patriotic songs. On the eve of Republic Day, students and citizens light candles in memory of unknown soldiers.
Inspiring activities for all ages
Throughout the fortnight, Seva Surbhi hosts inter-college competitions including group patriotic songs, painting contests, poetry recitals, rallies, debates and speeches.
Winners receive inspiring books on India’s freedom struggle. The goal, says Nareda, is to “light the flame of patriotism in young hearts and acquaint them with the sacrifices of martyrs who gave us independence.”
Honouring the nation’s heroes
So far, through over 225 programmes, Seva Surbhi has distributed millions of the Indian Tricolour to citizens. The group also honours the families of martyrs with shawls, coconut offerings, certificates of appreciation, and cash awards. More than 20 martyr families — including those of Shaheed Gautam Jain and Shaheed Bhim Singh — have been recognised.
A Community Effort
The organisation’s patriotic campaign enjoys strong support from Indore Police, Indore Municipal Corporation, Indore Development Authority, and the district administration.
On national festivals, the Border Security Force (BSF) and Bohra community bands add grandeur with stirring performances of national songs.
Over the years, many renowned personalities — including poet Hariom Pawar, Satyanarayan Sattan, Anamika Jain Amber, actor Shailesh Lodha, theatre artist Shekhar Sen, and cultural figure Ashok Hande — have participated, elevating the event’s stature.
