Government institutions and organisations across the city woke up early this Saturday to observe Republic Day. Some dedicated their entire morning organising programmes, while others decided to take their patriotism forward by organising citizens’ outreach programmes.
Bangalore University marked the occasion with Vice-Chancellor N. Rangaswamy hoisting the flag. Speaking to students, he said the national anthem alone told the story of our national diversity. “India is a large democracy. It is a role model to other countries.” Students from the UVCE’s Performing Arts group put up a cultural show.
In another initiative led by students, members of the Samasta Kendra Sunni Students Federation formed a human chain and rally near Freedom Park, titled ‘Friendship safeguards for the national security’, to create awareness on national integrity.
The South Western Railway celebrated the day at the Railway Institute Grounds, Bangalore. Anil Kumar Agarwal, Divisional Railway Manager, Bangalore Division, unfurled the tri-colour and told the gathering that the Bangalore division had registered a growth of 5 per cent over the previous year. Cultural programmes and ceremonial parades were organised by three platoons of the Railway Protection Force, Bharath Scouts & Guides, students of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, among other schools.
Ashwini Mehra, chief general manager, State Bank of India, unfurled the flag at the SBI Bangalore head office at St. Mark’s Road. Canara Bank employees too marked the occasion with a similar ceremony.
