The high-level National Implementation Committee (NIC) on Commemorations today held its first meeting here to discuss this year's "commemoration schedule" as the government looks to celebrate the lives of six iconic figures from Indian history.
The meeting was chaired by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by, among others, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma and Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya.
The date and other details were discussed during the meeting for the commemoration of the birth centenary of Rani Gaidinliu, 150th birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai, 200th birth anniversary of Tatya Tope, 475th birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap, birth centenary of Bhisham Sahni and 500 years of the return of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to Vrindavan.
Singh, who had a few days back questioned why the tag of 'Great' was not applied for Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap if it could be used for Mughal emperor Akbar, told the meeting that these personalities have enriched the history and culture of India and fitting commemorations on a large scale should be organised for them considering their contribution and stature.
He said that the message of such commemorations should not be limited to the areas associated with these icons but be taken across the country and around the whole world, according to an official release here.
The home minister suggested that the commemoration ceremonies be held in the national capital along with the regional sites/birthplaces associated with these personalities.
He said that various events related to the lives of these personalities should be organised as part of the year-long celebrations.
The six commemorations should begin in a phased manner between July-October this year to give enough time for adequate celebrations, added Singh.
Jaitley for his part said that to pay tribute to these personalities, structures like auditoriums/theatres, etc. should be set up at their places of birth as permanent symbols of remembrance.
Tourism minister Sharma said that the details of the activities to be carried out during the commemoration ceremonies will be worked out by the sub-committees formed for each of the six commemorations.
