Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday, March 14, inaugurated a 200-foot-tall Indian national flag at the historic Kasturchand Park in Nagpur, stating that the monumental flag will serve as a lasting symbol of patriotism and national pride for the people of the city.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Fadnavis said that countless freedom fighters sacrificed their lives to secure India’s independence, and every Indian takes pride in their legacy. He expressed confidence that the grand national flag installed in Nagpur would remind citizens of these sacrifices and inspire a strong sense of national pride.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and the Lokmat Media Group jointly developed the project. The flag was officially unveiled by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of MLAs Sandeep Joshi and Vikas Thakre, Mayor Nita Thakre, Acting Municipal Commissioner Dr. Vipin Itankar, Additional Commissioners Vasumana Pant and Vaishnavi B, and Lokmat Editorial Board Chairman Dr. Vijay Darda, among others.

During his address, Fadnavis noted that many countries prominently display their national flags to evoke patriotism among citizens. In India, however, earlier restrictions under the Flag Code had made such installations difficult. With those issues resolved, large national flags are now being installed across the country.

He added that the majestic flag at Kasturchand Park, one of Nagpur’s most historic public spaces, has been thoughtfully designed and will inspire pride among residents. The surrounding design elements also highlight symbolic representations of cities connected to Nagpur, further enhancing the monument’s significance.

Fadnavis praised the Lokmat Media Group for taking the initiative to establish the massive national flag in the city. “Seeing such a grand national flag fills one’s heart with pride and strengthens the spirit of patriotism,” he said.

Earlier in the programme, Dr. Vijay Darda delivered the welcome address. Chief Minister Fadnavis also unveiled the foundation plaque and performed the flag hoisting ceremony.

The concept of installing a national flag at Kasturchand Park was first proposed in 2009. The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2016 by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The architectural design of the project was prepared by architect Shantanu Bhalla.

The installation of the towering national flag is expected to become a major landmark in Nagpur, reflecting the city’s patriotic spirit and historical significance.