Bhopal freedom fighters honoured at home on Independence Day eve by MP Governor
Synopsis
On the eve of India's 80th Independence Day, Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel sent officials to personally felicitate Bhopal's ageing freedom fighters and their families at home — a rare, intimate tribute as the country marks eight decades of independence with a dwindling number of living witnesses to the freedom struggle.
Key Takeaways
MP Governor Mangubhai Patel arranged home visits to felicitate freedom fighters in Bhopal on 14 August 2025 , the eve of the 80th Independence Day .
Freedom fighters Mohammad Zamir , Savitri Devi Verma , Devisharan , Parvati Devi , and Narayani Devi were among those honoured.
Families of late freedom fighters Habib Nazar and Mohammad Mukhtar Khan were also felicitated at their homes.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will hoist the national flag at Lal Parade Ground , Bhopal, on 15 August .
22 contingents , including forces from CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and SSB, will participate in the march-past.
Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel on Friday, 14 August 2025 arranged for freedom fighters residing in Bhopal to be felicitated at their homes on the eve of the 80th Independence Day, in a gesture of personal acknowledgement for their role in India's freedom struggle. Officials from Lok Bhavan carried out the visits on the Governor's behalf, presenting shawls, coconuts, sweets, and gifts as tokens of respect and gratitude.
Freedom Fighters Felicitated
Among those honoured were Bhopal-based freedom fighters Mohammad Zamir, Savitri Devi Verma, Devisharan, Parvati Devi, and Narayani Devi. The initiative also extended to the families of deceased freedom fighters — Firoz Jahan, wife of late freedom fighter Habib Nazar, and Akhtar Jahan, wife of late Mohammad Mukhtar Khan, were felicitated at their respective residences, according to a statement from the state government.
Significance of the Initiative
The home visits reflect a deliberate effort to bring recognition to veterans and their families who may no longer be able to attend public ceremonies. This comes as the country prepares to mark 80 years of independence — a milestone that underscores the dwindling number of living freedom fighters and the urgency of preserving their legacy. Notably, such in-home felicitation drives have become increasingly rare, making this gesture particularly meaningful.
Independence Day Celebrations in Bhopal
The state-level Independence Day ceremony is scheduled at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal on Saturday, 15 August, where Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will hoist the national flag and take the salute of the combined parade. Following the inspection, Chief Minister Yadav will address the people of Madhya Pradesh.
As many as 22 contingents — including the police band — are set to participate in the march-past. The parade will be led by IPS officer Aditya Singharia, Sihora Sub-Divisional Officer of Police from Jabalpur district, with Hemant Kumar, Singrauli City Superintendent of Police, serving as assistant parade commander.
Contingents and Security Arrangements
Participating contingents include the Maharashtra Police, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, BSF, CISF, Hawk Force, STF, women's police force, SAF, district police, Jail Department, GRP, Home Guards, NCC, Guides, Scouts, Shaurya Dal, mounted police, and the police band. Personnel selected for outstanding and meritorious service will receive medals during the ceremony. Comprehensive arrangements for security, traffic management, parking, and public movement have been put in place for the celebrations.
Point of View
The number of living freedom fighters is critically low, and their stories risk being lost to institutional neglect. The inclusion of widows of deceased fighters signals an awareness that the debt extends beyond the individuals themselves. Whether this one-day gesture translates into sustained state support — pensions, healthcare, oral history documentation — is the question that rarely gets asked after the flags are folded.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did MP Governor Mangubhai Patel felicitate freedom fighters at their homes?
Governor Mangubhai Patel arranged home visits to personally acknowledge the contribution of freedom fighters who may not be able to attend public ceremonies. Officials from Lok Bhavan visited their residences on 14 August 2025, presenting shawls, coconuts, sweets, and gifts on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day.
Which freedom fighters were honoured in Bhopal on Independence Day eve?
Mohammad Zamir, Savitri Devi Verma, Devisharan, Parvati Devi, and Narayani Devi were felicitated at their homes. The families of late freedom fighters Habib Nazar and Mohammad Mukhtar Khan — represented by their wives Firoz Jahan and Akhtar Jahan — were also honoured.
Where will Madhya Pradesh celebrate Independence Day 2025?
The state-level Independence Day ceremony will be held at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal on 15 August 2025. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will hoist the national flag and address the people of Madhya Pradesh.
How many contingents will participate in the Bhopal Independence Day parade?
A total of 22 contingents will participate in the march-past at Lal Parade Ground, including forces from the CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, CISF, Maharashtra Police, women's police force, NCC, and others. IPS officer Aditya Singharia will lead the parade.
What is the significance of India's 80th Independence Day?
India's 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2025 marks eight decades since the country gained independence in 1947. The milestone is particularly significant as the number of living freedom fighters continues to decline, making tributes and documentation of their contributions increasingly urgent.
