Bengaluru Celebrates Independence Day With Fervour
BENGALURU: The 69th Independence Day was celebrated with much fervour and enthusiasm by individuals and establishments across the city on Saturday. Senior citizens and youth, in association with Mantri Developers, joined hands to celebrate the Independence Day at the Manyata Tech Park. A cycle rally was undertaken, while around 70 saplings were also planted in the vicinity.
“I vividly remember the eve of 1947 — Nehru’s world famous ‘tryst with destiny’ speech and the unfurling of the Tricolour above the Lahore Gate of the Red Fort. It was a proud moment indeed,” said 85-year-old Venkatesh Reddy.
Similarly, 70-year-old Savitha Iyengar opined that much has changed between 1947 and now. “What we miss most is the abundance of greenery. Hence, we decided to plant the saplings so that a green signal can be sent out to the younger generation,” she added.
I-Day was also celebrated at the Rail Wheel Factory (RWF) in the city. General manager Pankaj Jain, who unfurled the national flag, said that the RWF has played a vital role in the development of the country. “Our efforts have saved the country of foreign exchange worth $1.67 million,” he asserted.
The programme also involved a march-past by a contingent of the Railway Protection Force, which was followed by cultural programmes. Students of Trio World School began I-Day celebrations with a tribute to former president A P J Abdul Kalam. After lighting candles and speaking about the former president’s achievements, the students also sang popular patriotic songs.
The I-Day was also celebrated at the premises of the Bangalore University on Saturday.
Vehicle Scanner for City Station
To enhance security at the City railway station, an Under Vehicle Scanner will be commissioned shortly at the main entry, said Divisional Railway Manager Sanjiv Agarwal.
Delivering the Independence Day address after unfurling the Tricolour at the Railway Institute Grounds on Saturday, Agarwal said installing luggage and vehicle scanners at the City station were under progress.
On the security measures already in place, he said that surveillance in Bengaluru City has been enhanced with 71 new cameras and 20 hand-held metal detectors installed while Yeshwantpur station has 35 cameras and 12 detectors.
Monika Agarwal, president of South Western Railway Womens’ Welfare Organisation Bangalore Division, distributed gifts to the patients at Railway Hospital, Bengaluru. A ceremonial parade was conducted by the students of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Shama Vidyashala and St Philomena’s High School.
Upa Lokayukta Hoists Tricolour
Upa Lokayukta Justice Subhash B Adi on Saturday hoisted the national flag in the absence of Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao. Justice Adi urged the Lokayukta staff to work as family members and keep up the image of the anti-corruption body. It is for the first time that the flag was hoisted by Upa Lokayukta as Lokayukta Justice Rao is on a long leave. The staff and the Upa Lokayukta contributed from their pockets to bear the expenses of I-Day celebrations. The power was vested with the Lokayukta to use funds earmarked for the function. No powers were given to thr Upa Lokayukta to sanction funds before Justice Rao went on leave.