Celebration of the 70th Independence Day at Dibrugarh University began with a week long programme from August 9, 2016 to August 23, 2016. The main event was held at the University pavilion field at 8.00 a.m. on 15 August, 2016 with a colourful March Past by the students of the various academic Departments and Centres for Studies, students from the University Model School and from other schools from the neighbourhood and the Security Staff of the University. Altogether 34 teams participated in the March Past. Earlier in the morning, Professor Alak K Buragohain, Vice Chancellor hoisted the National Flag and took the salute in the March Past. In his Independence Day Address, the Vice Chancellor recalled the great sacrifice of millions of countryman led by Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and many others during the long freedom struggle. He appealed to one and all to join him in paying rich tribute to them on this auspicious occasion of Independence Day. Professor Buragohain stated that many who were born in the first decade after Independence have been contributing towards realising the dream of their free nation. Now the young generation has to take up many challenges to make India the best country in the world. He fervently appealed the young students to participate in the nation building process whole heartedly. Referring to the participation of the group of international students studying at the University, Professor Buragohain, called upon them to take the unique opportunity to study the culture and people of this great land while they are pursuing different courses in this University. One of the foreign students, Mr. Ejiofar Innocentmary Ifedibaluckukwu, from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences spoke on the occasion. It may be mentioned that there is a large contingent of overseas students from twelve countries of Africa and Asia studying at Dibrugarh University.
During the programme, the students of the Centre for Studies in Physical Education and Sports made scintillating performance in Aerobics, Martial Arts (Taekwondo, Karate), Gymnastics and Yoga. The members of the DU Post Graduate Students' Union and the AASU unit of the University staged a Street Play on Anti-Ragging which was applauded by one and all.
A friendly match between the teams of School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the DU Research Scholars' Association (DURSA) who earlier entered into the final round of Intra-mural and Recreational Sports organized jointly by the Sports Board, Centre for Studies in Physical Education and Sports, the Officers' Association and the Employees' Association of the University.
A separate competition was organized for the children of the University community on recitation of patriotic poems and speech in the auditorium of the University.
The Independence Day celebration was attended by more than a thousand people which included members of the faculties, officers and non teaching staff, students and people of the neighbourhood of the University and the University community.