Independence Day is being celebrated across the country. In Punjab, state level Independence Day function is being held at Amritsar, where Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal will unfurl the national flag. The government will honour 37 persons for their outstanding performance in the fields of bravery, social work, art and culture.In Haryana, Independence Day functions are being organised at district, tehsil and block headquarters. People have gathered in large numbers to celebrate this historic day.Madhya Pradesh government has organised a function in Bhopal to celebrate the platinum jubilee of Indian Hockey team's victory over Germany in Berlin Olympic. It was on this day in 1936 that Indian Hockey team crushed Germany 8-1 to win Gold medal in Berlin Olympic.In Srinagar, the main function will be held at Bakshi Stadium where the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will unfurl the national flag and take salute on the march past.Elaborate security arrangements have been made throughout the country. The Union Home Ministry has issued a country-wide alert asking states to tighten security at sensitive locations and installations to thwart any attempt of terror strike.In her address, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Ms.J. Jayalalitha said that her government is committed to enforce stringent law and order measures to protect the common man. She also listed out various welfare schemes which are to be launched on September 15th, the birthday of late Chief Minister Annnadurai. Referring to the reservation policy, the Chief Minister said that Tamil Nadu is the first State to implement 69 percent reservation.In Madhya Pradesh, a series of programmes including Kavisammelan, Mushayera and cross-country race are being held across the State. AIR correspondent reports that a 'Swadheenta Party' is being organised in Bhopal by the State Cultural Department this evening.In Uttar Pradesh, the main function was held in front of Vidhan Bhawan where Chief Minister Mayawati unfurled the tricolour. She honoured three police officers from the Special Task Force of State Police with 'Mukhya Mantri Utkrisht Seva' police medal. The Governor BL Joshi unfurled the national flag at Raj Bhawan.In Meghalaya, people are taking part in different functions defying 24 hour bandh call given by some banned militant outfits. The main function was held in Shillong amid tight security. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangama called upon the younger generation to always remain vigilant so that the values and the institutional framework of the country are not threatened by any unscrupulous elements. Reports of Independence Day celebrations are also coming in from abroad.In Nepal, the main celebration was held at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. The Charge d’ Affairs Mr. Jaideep Mazumdar unfurled the national flag and read out the President’s address. On this occasion, India has gifted twenty ambulances and four buses to various hospitals and books and educational tools to fifty educational and training institutions of Nepal.