Vijaypur: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated at Secab Engineering College here on 15th August 2025 with great enthusiasm. The chief guest of the function was Salauddin Ayub Punekar.
After the flag hoisting, Nazeer Ahmed Kazi, Retired Executive Engineer, addressed the gathering. In his speech, he highlighted that India, with a population of 140 crore, is home to people of many religions, yet united as one nation. He said, “Unity in diversity is the true culture of our country. Nowhere else in the world do we find such an example. Let us be proud of it.”
He reminded everyone that Independence Day marks India’s freedom from British colonial rule on 15th August 1947. The day honours the courage and sacrifices of the freedom fighters and inspires citizens to uphold the values of liberty, unity, and responsibility. He recalled the contributions of great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who declared in 1916: “Swaraj is my birth-right and I shall have it.”
Quoting Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, he stressed the need for India to be self-reliant and globally competitive. Addressing the students, he said that engineers have a dual responsibility – both as citizens and as professionals – in nation-building. Referring to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of engineers as the builders of the nation, he urged them to come to the forefront in technology development and achieve technological independence through innovative and globally competitive practices.
He also acknowledged India’s remarkable progress, standing today as one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. However, he cautioned against persisting challenges like communalism, casteism, corruption, unemployment, and social injustice, calling for collective efforts to overcome them.
The Director of SECAB Association, Salauddin Punekar, in his address, emphasised that independence should not remain a symbolic celebration but must reflect in every walk of life.
Several students and staff members also spoke on the occasion. The Founder of SECAB Association, Shamshuddin Punekar, was present on the dais along with Principal Abbas Ali. The programme concluded with the President’s address, who welcomed all and extended heartfelt Independence Day wishes.
It was a memorable and meaningful celebration.
