A first: Himachal to host state-level Homeguards Raising Day celebration
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will preside as the chief guest at the Homeguards Raising Day state-level function on December 6. Arvind Parashar, Deputy Commandant General of Homeguards and Civil Defence, announced this during a press conference. This marks the first time a state-level celebration is being organised for the annual event. The festivities will span three days, commencing on December 4 and culminating on December 6 at the historic Ridge. The programme aims to boost the morale of homeguards and highlight their critical rescue operations to the public.
The event will feature 13 marching contingents, including 12 male and one female, alongside participants from the State Disaster Relief Force (SDRF), Civil Defence and the Fire Department. These teams will perform a battle march parade and professional demonstrations showcasing lifesaving techniques and property protection methods.
On December 4, commanders of 12 battalions will present their annual roadmaps during a conference. On December 5, an inter-battalion band competition will take place, with Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh as the chief guest. Bands will also perform at 12 designated locations across the state.
The celebrations will also include meditation sessions in collaboration with Art of Living and financial literacy workshops for homeguards. During the main event on December 6, CM Sukhu will present awards to the best marching contingent. Following the celebrations, a month-long community awareness programme featuring mock drills will be conducted, concluding on January 6 with the SDRF Raising Day.
Highlighting the achievements of homeguards over the past decade, Parashar stated they have conducted 31,000 rescue operations, saving 6,000 lives and protecting property worth Rs 10,248 crore.
