On a cloudy day on Monday morning, the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in the State capital came alive with glittering cultural programmes by schoolchildren to mark the 70th Independence Day celebrations.
Unlike the previous years, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah arrived only a few minutes late to the venue. A military chopper showered rose petals from a low altitude over the flower-decked dais, drawing a huge round of applause. As many as 2,730 schoolchildren, as usual, stole the show dancing to the melodies of patriotic songs.
Mr. Siddaramaiah unfurled the national flag and received the guard of honour amid cheers by freedom fighters, schoolchildren sporting colourful dress, waving the tricolour and singing patriotic songs.
More than two dozen contingents, including the Kerala police, excise, Karnataka State Industrial Security Personnel, and children participated in the march past, which was led by P. Papanna, DCP, Bengaluru Urban City Armed Reserve (South).
A stunning display of ‘Mallakhamb’ by Maratha Light Infantry Regional Centre, Belagavi, kept the crowds spellbound. Mr. Siddaramaiah presented prizes to various contingents and schoolchildren who participated in the march past and cultural show.
Students of government high school, Chikkabidarakallu, Bengaluru North, walked away with the first prize in the cultural programme category for their ‘Jaya Bharathi’ dance, which depicted the rich cultural heritage. A total of 600 students of BBMP composite PU College, Kasturba Nagar, presented a dance on the theme ‘Halagali Bedara Dhange’, and received the second prize. Students of government high school, VIP School, Munchinappa Government School, Adugodi, received the third prize.
The police band sang the national anthem, while B.K. Sumithra Group rendered the ‘Naada Geethe’ and ‘Raitha Geethe’.
