This Independence Day is set to really "free" Shantibai, the tribal sarpanch of Chandankhedi village in this district of Madhya Pradesh and give her the right she was denied on the Republic Day.
Shantabai, who was stopped by the Chandankhedi villagers from hoisting the tricolour on January 26, because she is a tribal, has been invited to hoist the national flag on August 15 at Nalcha block headquarters, official sources said.
Following the reports about the January 26 incident, chief minister Digvijay Singh announced that she will hoist the tricolour at the district headquarters on the Independence Day. However, as per the programme by state government, state`s deputy chief minister Jamunadevi is to hoist the national flag at Dhar, so it is decided that Shantibai will hoist the tricolour at the block headquarters - Nalcha, sources said. Directions to this effect were issued by Singh`s office, and an invitation extended to Shantibai, which she has happily accepted, the sources added.
Bureau Report