The district administration will host the 67th Independence Day celebrations at the Marine Drive ground on Thursday. Finance Minister K M Mani, the chief guest will hoist the national flag by 8.30 am. District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth will lead the formal proceedings. The formal function is scheduled to start by 8 am.
Additional District Magistrate (ADM) B Ramachandran said that all steps have been taken to ensure the smooth conduct of the formal celebrations. “The elected representatives of the district including MPs and MLAs will participate in the function. Freedom fighters, government officials, students and people from other walks of life will participate in the parade. Freedom fighters from several parts of the district will be honoured at the function,” the ADM said.
P K Harilal, Reserved Armed Police Inspector will lead the parade. There will be six armed units of the police and 25 unarmed units, including the Excise, NCC, Student Police Cadets, Scouts and Guides and Red Cross. Two school bands and a band consisting of cadets from Sea Cadet Corps will give colour to the event. “The Minister will also distribute the Chief Minister’s Police Medals to 14 serving police officers,” the ADM said.
The Marine Drive ground and surroundings will be under tight security cover. “The ground and the premises are under police surveillance from the time the parade rehearsals commenced. But facilities have been made for the public, including tourists, to watch the parade and connected entertainments,” he said. The district administration has also arranged medical facilities to tackle cases of emergency. The district administration had started the preparations for the celebrations several weeks ago. Several rehearsals was organised at the venue that culminated with the final dress rehearsal on Wednesday.
Around 18 trophies will be distributed to schools and other institutions that showcase outstanding performance in the parade. Patriotic songs will be sung by students from Ernakulam Government Girls High School and Tripunithara RLV College.