<span style="color: #222222;">In Mizoram, 73rd Independence Day is being celebrated across the state. The celebration began with unfurling of National Flag at residential houses, government and semi-government offices, and business premises. The state-level main programme was organised at Assam Rifles ground in Aizawl. Most schools and colleges have taken up variety of cultural programs with patriotic themes to celebrate the day. An Independence football tournament, which is an annual event, has begun this morning in Aizawl to celebrate the day.<br />''<br />''All district headquarters are celebrating Independence Day with patriotic fervour.  This time, three new districts Saitual, Hnahthial and Khawzawl celebrate the Independence Day with all-out citizenry participation and colourful programmes. <br />''<br />''In the state-level programme in Aizawl, Chief Minister Zoramthanga unfurled the national flag. He inspected the guard of honour and parade organized by a combined contingent of state police, para-military forces such as CRPF, BSF, IR battalions, Assam Rifles and cadets of NSS, NCC and Scouts and Guides.<br />''<br />''Chief Minister Zoramthanga paid tributes to the freedom fighters including the last surviving Mizo freedom fighter Mr. Darthawma and called upon the new generation to pay reverence to the supreme sacrifice of the freedom fighters. He said because of their sacrifices, all are breathing the air of freedom today and are able to dream of a better tomorrow.<br />''<br />''Mr Zoramthanga said, his government will strive to make Mizoram a model state in terms of social security, peace, education, health care sectors. Later, he handed over awards and prizes in different categories including state award for teacher, President's medal, Governor's medal, women football champion medal and prize for best performers in parades. </span><br />