In a response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s ongoing `Har Ghar Tiranga` campaign and taking it to international level to mark the 75th Independence Day of India, the NID Foundation and Chandigarh University on Saturday created the Guinness World Record for formation of `World`s Largest Human Image of a Waving National Flag`.

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As many as 5,885 students from Chandigarh University and other schools and colleges along with the volunteers of the NID Foundation of the UT and other dignitaries gathered for the flag formation at Chandigarh Cricket Stadium.

The event also had Punjab Governor and Chandigarh UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi, NID Chief Patron and Chandigarh University Chancellor S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Dharam Pal, Adviser to the Administrator, Chandigarh UT; Vinay Pratap Singh, Deputy Commissioner Chandigarh; Sarabjit Kaur, Mayor Chandigarh; Parveer Ranjan, DGP Chandigarh UT, Prof Himani Sood, Founder NID Foundation and other top officials of the UT administration.

The event was aimed at strengthening the `Har Ghar Tiranga` campaign envisioned by honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark the 75 years of Independence of the country, and take it to international level via this world record.

Along with the 5,885 young boys and girl students, Banwarilal Purohit, Meenakshi Lekhi, S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Dharam Pal and other dignitaries were also a part of the flag formation.

Swapnil Dangarikar, official Guinness World Records Adjudicator, who was present at the event verified the record said "The previous world record for the largest human image of a waving national flag achieved by GEMS Education in Abu Dhabi, UAE has been broken and a new world record has been created by NID Foundation and Chandigarh University in today`s event."

Speaking on the occasion, Banwarilal Purohit said that with the successful creation of the world record formed by Chandigarh University and NID Foundation, Chandigarh has given a great message to the entire world, on the 75th anniversary of India`s Independence Day.

"This event has become even greater than what I had imagined. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Chandigarh University Chancellor and NID Foundation Chief Patron S. Satnam Singh Sandhu whose team has achieved this feat. Not only their institutions, but they have made the entire Chandigarh and entire country proud," said Purohit.

In her address, Meenakshi Lekhi, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, and Culture said, "Thousands of our youth gathered here to form the waving image of our tricolour, there could not be a better view in the entire country than what we witnessed here today. Congratulations to the NID Foundation, Chandigarh University and most importantly the students, who made this dream of mine come true."

Thanking the Union Home Ministry for allowing people to unfurl national flags, Lekhi said that she was overwhelmed by the respect people have in their hearts for the tricolour.

Speaking on the occasion, S. Satnam Singh Sandhu, Chief Patron, NID Foundation, and Chancellor, Chandigarh University congratulated all the participants and said that historic formation of the national flag aptly celebrate the spirit of India`s 75th Independence Day under the aegis of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

"Our national flag is more than the three colours, but is also a reflection of the pride of our past, our commitment to the present and our dreams of the future. Our tricolour is a symbol of India`s unity, integrity and diversity. I am thankful to Chandigarh Administration for their unwavering support in achieving this historic feat," he added.

Sharing his thoughts about the event, Sunil Sharma, a student of Chandigarh University said that he was proud of the fact that his university organised such a significant event and made a world record. "I am proud that I am a part of this historic event, celebrating the Independence of a land that has given us a unique identity and is associated with proud heritage and values," he said.

"75 years of Independence, it`s very important that we continue to cherish and practise the same ideals and values our great countrymen held dearly during their struggle to build an independent India," said Shahid, another student from the city.

On the occasion, six NGOs were honoured with Karam Yodha awards for distinguished social service in their respective fields.

The event concluded with flag hoisting and singing of the national anthem.

With inputs from IANS