Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Thursday, 13 August 2026, led a Tiranga Yatra from Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan in New Delhi, calling on citizens to honour the sacrifices of freedom fighters and draw inspiration from India's independence movement. The march was held as part of the Centre's Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, organised this year under the theme 'Vande Mataram'.

What Naidu Said

Addressing reporters at the event, Naidu underscored both the nation's developmental progress and the enduring importance of patriotic remembrance. 'Over the last 12 years, our country has witnessed remarkable development under the vision and leadership of our respected Prime Minister. We have achieved several milestones in our ministry as well. Today, even a common citizen can fly with pride. We will continue to strengthen this sector and take it to greater heights. We remain fully committed to the goal of a developed India,' he said.

The minister also stressed the moral obligation to remember India's independence struggle. 'It is our responsibility to respect the sacrifices and struggles of our forefathers during the Independence movement and draw inspiration from them,' he said. Naidu further cited the legislative decision on the national anthem, noting that the move had fostered a sense of unity 'from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.'

PM Modi's Call to Action

The yatra follows a public appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 August 2026, urging citizens to participate enthusiastically in the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. Modi described the Tricolour as 'our pride and a constant source of inspiration to always give our best for the nation,' in a post on X, where he reposted content from the Ministry of Culture. He also called on citizens to 'renew our collective resolve to contribute towards building a Viksit Bharat,' invoking the campaign's 'Vande Mataram' theme.

About the Har Ghar Tiranga Campaign

Launched under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative, Har Ghar Tiranga was conceived to encourage citizens to bring the national flag into their homes and hoist it with personal pride — moving the Tricolour beyond its traditionally institutional associations. The Ministry of Culture serves as the nodal ministry for the campaign. This year's edition, Har Ghar Tiranga 2026, is dedicated to the spirit of the national song Vande Mataram, deepening the campaign's focus on collective national identity.

Broader Significance

The Tiranga Yatra and the wider campaign arrive days before Independence Day, amplifying the government's messaging around patriotism and civic participation. Notably, this is among the most visible pre-Independence Day mobilisations in recent years, with senior cabinet ministers leading marches across the country. The initiative reflects a sustained effort to make national symbols a matter of personal connection rather than formal ceremony, with the 'Vande Mataram' framing adding a cultural layer to the patriotic outreach ahead of the 15 August celebrations.