Union Coal, Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy has launched the Tiranga Rally in Hyderabad. Speaking to the media on the occasion, he announced the commencement of the Independence Day celebrations. Mr Reddy said the Independence Day festival has been organised on a grand scale with the support of the central government for the last three years. He urged people, especially students and voluntary organisations to protect the country’s integrity and national unity while educating the youth about the history of India’s independence celebrations. Noting the Prime Minister’s call for every household to hoist the national flag under the “Har Ghar Tiranga” initiative, he noted that around 23 crore people hoisted the national flag at their residence during the 75th anniversary of independence. He also urged the public to continue the same spirit for this year’s Independence Day. The festival, including the Tiranga Yatra, will continue till August 15. Reddy also appealed to the Telugu people to actively participate in the national Independence Day festivities and urged everyone to hoist the national flag at their homes.