Varanasi, India — In a powerful display of patriotism and community spirit, thousands of women in the city of Varanasi are at the forefront of the “Har Ghar Tiranga” (Tricolor on Every House) campaign, an initiative aimed at celebrating India’s Independence Day. These women, organized into self-help groups, are diligently handcrafting over 4.76 lakh national flags to be distributed across the city.
The initiative, spearheaded by the state government, serves a dual purpose: to instill a sense of national pride and to foster financial independence among women. More than 2,600 women from various self-help groups (SHGs) are working tirelessly to complete the massive order before August 15th.
Chief Development Officer Himanshu Nagpal highlighted the scale of the project, stating that approximately 2,000 women from over 400 SHGs associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) are producing 2.25 lakh flags. This effort is expected to provide these women with an average income of ₹3,000 to ₹4,000. Additionally, 68 SHGs linked with the Urban Development Agency (DUDA), comprising 680 women, are contributing another 2,51,500 flags to the total.
The women involved in the project expressed immense pride in their work. Radha from Ramdih village shared that when the tricolor is unfurled on every home, it will carry with it “the hard work, dedication, and patriotism of thousands of women from Kashi.” Munni Devi from Bhorkala village sees her work as a form of national service, stating, “It is a matter of great pride to prepare the tricolor with my own hands.” Lalita from Gajepur village described the flags as not just pieces of cloth, but “a symbol of devotion and dedication to Mother India.”
This campaign not only ensures that every home in Varanasi can participate in the national celebration but also stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, weaving them more closely into the nation’s social and economic fabric.
