The world's largest Khadi national flag was installed in Leh, Ladakh, today on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 152nd birth anniversary. It was inaugurated by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor RK Mathur this morning.
The tricolor, which is 225-feet long and 150-feet wide, weighs around 1,000 kg. It has been prepared by the 57 Engineer Regiment of the Indian Army, according to national broadcaster Doordarshan, which broadcast the inauguration ceremony.
"Gandhi Ji had said that our flag is a symbol of unity, humanity, and a sign accepted by everyone in the country. It's a symbol of greatness for the country... In coming years, this flag (in Leh) will be a sign of enthusiasm for our soldiers," the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor said, according to news agency ANI.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, while sharing a video on Twitter, said, "It is a moment of great pride for Flag of India that on Gandhi ji's Jayanti, the world's largest Khadi Tiranga is unveiled in Leh, Ladakh. I salute this gesture which commemorates Bapu's memory, promotes Indian artisans and also honours the nation. Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!"
The flag has been made by Khadi and Village Industry Commission (KVIC) and was displayed by the army in Leh.
Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who is on a two-day visit to Ladakh, was also present along with other army officials during the inauguration of the flag.
In a video of the event, shared by ANI, Indian Air Force helicopters could be seen flying over the site of the event in Leh to salute and honour the national flag.
At least 150 troops of Indian Army's 57 Engineer regiment carried the flag to the top of a hill at over 2,000 feet above the ground level in Leh. It took two hours for the troops to reach the top.
In a video shared by ANI, a large number of troops are seen carrying the flag on top of a hill.
The inauguration ceremony coincided with Gandhi Jayanti -- birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who adopted a non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against colonial British rule.
Several leaders and ministers took to Twitter to share the unfurling of the largest Khadi Tiranga in Leh.
BJP leader and minister Harsh Sanghavi also shared the video of the flag on Twitter, with the caption "World's largest Khadi national flag installed in Leh town."
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