India will celebrate its 72nd Independence Day on August 15th.
As well as various events taking place globally, the world of social media, too, is getting in on the act.
A apparent spam from WhatsApp recently touted the distribution of free bicycles by the Modi government to students on Independence Day under Free Cycle Distribution Yojana (scheme) Government of India 2018. Various Indian media investigated, claiming it to be a hoax.
Screenshot from The Quint Source: Supplied
Flags for all
Meanwhile one MP is claiming to provide the Indian national flag to every Indian residing across the world.
CR Paatil, Member of Parliament from Navsari, in Gujarat is continuing his campaign with the message "Har Ghar Triranga, Har Gaon Triranga" meaning "Every home and village will have Indian national flag."
Talking to SBS Gujarati about the initiative MP CR Paatil's office said, "We have launched a campaign to distribute the Indian national flag to the people of Indian origin, no matter where they live in the world, they would get the flag free of cost."
"People only have to register their details on a given website, and they will be provided with 2:3 standard size Indian national flag before 15th August - the Independence Day."
Team of the campaign with the Indian national flag. Source: C R Paatil
While many have praised Paatil's campaign on his Facebook page, others say he should be concentrating on other issues relevant to his constituency - for example, the extension of Virar - Bharuch train to Vadodara.
People requested Paatil to solve other pending issues also. Source: SBS Gujarati
Registrations from overseas
His campaign began in 2016 with 32,000 people across the world receiving it before the Independence Day. This year he claims 14,000 flags have already been delivered to Indian around the world - including Australia, NZ, Canada, USA, and Dubai.
"The figure can touch the 100,000 mark before 15th August," said Paatil, although there have been complaints of people not receiving them.
People have also complained of not getting the flag even though registering their details. Responding to the complaints Paatil's office told SBS Gujarati, "We try our best to deliver the flag to the mentioned address, sometimes it gets two or three days late because of postage. In the past, we couldn't deliver some of the flags due to the wrong shipping details. Whoever is registering the details should check it twice.
The person has complained about not getting the flag even though registering his details. Source: SBS Gujarati
Australia marks Independence Day
In Australia, events will be held around the country to mark the day. Flag hoisting ceremony will be held at the High commission in Canberra and Indian consulates across Australia.
Other celebration include India Day Fair at the Parramatta Park on 11th August, India - Australia Friendship Fair at the Paramatta Riverside on 5th of August in Sydney. Australia India Society of Victoria and India Australia Association of Canberra have also organised some cultural events to acknowledge the day.
