Siruthamur, a remote hamlet in Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpet district, sets an example of national unity with over 300 families. In this village, not a single day goes by without the national flag being hoisted. Yes, for the past four years, the villagers have hoisted the Tricolour flag and saluted it before beginning their work.
Habit of hoisting flag daily
The Siruthamur inhabitants have historically relied heavily on agriculture as their main economic activity. The residents of this village, however, have a tradition of cleaning, hoisting the flag, playing the National Anthem, and saluting the flag every day at 8.30 am, rain or shine. When the national anthem is performed, farm labourers, kids, and even travelling shepherds stop what they are doing to show their respect for the tricolour.
“We have been doing this since 2017,” according to one of the villagers. “Before that, we only planned to hoist the flag on Republic Day and Independence Day each year. Then, to demonstrate our national unity, we agreed to do this everyday for the entire year. Anyone from the village may hoist the flag and play the national anthem at 8.30 in the morning, not just the Panchayat president.”
The villagers claim that the flag is made of Khadi cloth.
TN takes pride in establishing numerous Army Villages
Similarly, Tamil Nadu takes pride in establishing numerous ‘Army Villages.’ Sekkarakudi, a village located 24 kilometres from Thoothukudi district, is home to approximately 5,000 families. Since WWII, at least one member of each family has served in the Indian Army. Approximately 3,000 residents of this village are currently employed in the army, navy, and Tamil Nadu police force. This area’s residents include over 3,000 former soldiers.
