Kolkata. 16 Aug 24. Independence Day was celebrated with traditional patriotic fervour, enthusiasm and panache at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd on August 15, 2024. Cmde P R Hari IN (Retd), Chairman and Managing Director, GRSE, hoisted the National Flag before inspecting an impressive guard of honour by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Among the others present were DIG Subrato Ghosh, ICG (Retd), Director (Personnel), Shri Abhishek Ranjan, CVO, GRSE, Shri Pushkar Parashar, Senior Commandant, CISF and senior officials from GRSE & CISF.

Cmde P R Hari appreciated the impressive turnout of the CISF during his address and highlighted the achievements of the shipyard while urging all employees to give their best to ensure GRSE’s continuous growth. The CMD also spoke on the importance of the concept of ‘Viksit Bharat’, the theme of this year’s Independence Day.

GRSE has taken a number of initiatives in the lead-up to Independence Day this year. Employees of all units were encouraged to participate in the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ & “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign.

 During the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign, employees collected saplings and planted them in the presence of their mothers on Independence Day. Those who have lost their mothers placed a photograph of hers nearby while planting the sapling.  

On August 12, National Flags were distributed among 200 underprivileged schoolchildren by GRSE at the CRY Centre in Hastings, Kolkata. A painting competition was also organised and prizes were distributed to the winners. 

A day later, on August 13, GRSE planted 2,000 mangrove saplings at the Kaikhali Island under the Kultali Belt Office in the Sundarbans. On August 14, 200 saplings and 100 National Flags were distributed among 100 underprivileged children at Agarhati, Sandeshkhali, in the Sundarbans. During the day, 110 saplings and 55 National Flags were distributed among 55 underprivileged children at Naora in the South 24-Parganas district. 

On Independence Day, GRSE also celebrated the flag-hoisting ceremony at Indian Institute of Cerebral Palsy (IICP) and distributed flags to 250 children affected by cerebral palsy.