“True independence lies in empowering every citizen,” says Naveen Jindal as Jindal Steel celebrates 79th Independence Day at Angul

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ANGUL, AUGUST 16, 2025

“Freedom is not just a gift, it is a great responsibility — to build the India our freedom fighters dreamed of, for which Mahatma Gandhi struggled, Bhagat Singh gave his life, and countless others made sacrifices,” said Naveen Jindal, Chairman of Jindal Steel and three-time Member of Parliament from Kurukshetra, Haryana, while addressing the grand Independence Day celebration at Jindal Nagar, Angul. He unfurled the National Flag amidst spirited patriotic fervour, marking the 79th Independence Day on Friday.

Jindal emphasised that true independence will come when India ensures prosperity and security for all its citizens. “The India of my dreams is one where farmers emerge as global entrepreneurs, our youth become job creators instead of job seekers, our villages are connected to highways with round-the-clock power and quality education, every citizen has access to healthcare, every household has food security, and our daughters can walk fearlessly even at night. It is a nation where barriers of caste and creed dissolve, and the only identity we celebrate is that of being Indian,” he declared, inspiring the gathering with his vision of a progressive and inclusive nation.

The event witnessed a series of captivating patriotic performances by students from O.P. Jindal School, Jindal Asha, and DAV–Savitri Jindal School. Their cultural presentations enthralled the audience and heightened the spirit of national pride across the celebration.

Speaking on the occasion, Pankaj Malhan, Executive Director-in-Charge, extended heartfelt appreciation to all participants, lauding their efforts in making the day memorable. He reaffirmed the employees’ and community’s collective commitment to Shri Naveen Jindal’s vision of building the India of our dreams. He was joined by Mr. Hridayswar Jha, Executive Director – Special Projects, and Mr. Damodar Mittal, Executive Director – Projects, at the grand celebration held at O.P. Jindal School, which drew a large gathering of employees, their families, guests, and residents from neighbouring villages.

The Jindal Foundation, the social arm of Jindal Steel led by its Chairperson Smt. Shallu Jindal, extended the celebrations beyond the plant premises by engaging with the local community. National Flags were hoisted in various educational institutions and youth clubs, while more than 60,000 food packets were distributed across 111 schools, 61 Anganwadi centres, senior citizen homes, and children’s homes in Angul district, spreading joy and solidarity on this special day.

In her Independence Day message, Shallu Jindal underlined the deeper meaning of freedom. “Freedom is most meaningful when it empowers others. This Independence Day, let us honour our freedom by extending its light to those still in the shadows. Together, let’s build a nation where independence is shared by all — a world where the promise of freedom means equal opportunities, growth, and dignity of life for everyone,” she said, reinforcing the spirit of inclusive progress.