Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) celebrated the 79th anniversary of India’s Independence on Friday with a flag hoisting ceremony at its iconic headquarters. Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Bhushan Gagrani unfurled the national flag, extending warm greetings to the city’s residents.

The event drew senior BMC officials, including Additional Municipal Commissioners Ashwini Joshi, Amit Saini, and Abhijeet Bangar, along with department heads, staff, and local citizens. The celebrations began with floral tributes to civic leader Pherozeshah Mehta at his statue outside the building, followed by a garland offered to the portrait of former mayor Vasudev Balakrishna Varalikar in the mayor’s office.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade and BMC’s security team presented a guard of honour before Gagrani addressed the gathering. In his remarks, he spoke of a “New India” ready to protect its strength and sovereignty. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said the mission had given India a renewed identity in the eyes of the world, urging everyone to pledge to uphold it. He also expressed gratitude for the constant support BMC receives from the city’s residents.