AFVOA Newletter August 2020

Section 5 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 02 / 2020 Page 144 of 237 Independence Day, as the Prime Minister speaks from the rampart of the Red Fort in what is a formal, choreographed event, the site itself shimmers with the sheen of an inclusive memory, like a talisman. It was on August 15, 1947 that India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the National Flag at Lahori Gate in Red Fort, Delhi. The act of replacing the British flag with India’s National Flag, a day after the swearing in of the first cabinet on August 15, amounted to reclaiming this contested site for the nation. As was his wont, he gave an impassioned talk to the nation, which broadcast alive by Akashvani or All India Radio. During his talk he made a special mention of Netaji, regretting his absence on the occasion. And since then, it has become a custom for the Indian Prime Minister to hoist the Indian flag on this historical day and address the nation. This important day in India's history is a day to pay our respect and remember Indian freedom fighters who contributed to the country’s freedom. 15th August is also a day to celebrate our freedom and reignite patriotism and love towards our country. Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial has been built at Raj Ghat, where he was cremated. The memorial is simple – the way he lived. Nonetheless it has become customary to pay homage at Raj Ghat before unfurling the flag at Lal Quila. With the passage of time and more memorials have come up in that area. The PMs, depending on their inclinations, decided to lay wreaths at other memorials also such as those dedicated to Nehru and Indira Gandhi. During June 1990, I was posted to Delhi Area, as the CSO (Chief Signals Officer). One of the principal activities during the year is the provisioning of a Fail- Proof Public Address (PA) system for use by the Prime Minister for the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort. Shri VP Singh had taken over as the PM in October 1989. Thus, it would be his first address to the country from the Red Fort. VP Singh, not being from the Congress party, one was not sure whether he would go to any other memorial besides Gandhiji’s Samadhi. This was crucial from our point of view. The reasons are explained below. The tricolour must be unfurled by the PM at exactly 0730 hours – not a second later nor earlier. To do so, the PM must reach the designated area at the ground floor of the Red Fort. He must reach that point at exactly 0723 hours. Thus, depending on the memorials that the PM decides to pay homage, the out riders accompanying him from his residence, are briefed to speed up or slow down to ensure that he reaches Red Fort at 0723. As mobiles were not in existence then, one had to use the mobile radio sets of the Signals to adhere to the time schedule. That equipment being much larger and bulkier than the cell phone of today, it did pose additional problems.