The 71st Independence Day celebrations were held in rainy conditions across the city on Tuesday, with district in-charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa unfurling the national flag at the Bannimantap Torchlight Parade Grounds amid a drizzle.
Though Mr. Mahadevappa received a guard of honour from the police contingent, the customary march-past by various units of the police and other armed forces was cancelled in view of the rains. School students went ahead with their cultural programmes despite the drizzle. They enthusiastically presented dance sequences and a lot more, with not a care about the puddles of rainwater on the grounds. But the rains and overcast conditions had an impact on the spectator turnout at the ground.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mahadevappa, in his address, said democracy had failed in many other countries but had survived and become stronger in India on account of the Constitution. He paid tribute to B.R. Ambedkar for coming up with a Constitution that provides equality to all citizens, irrespective of their religion, caste, language and region.
Mr. Mahadevappa also said the Indian National Congress, along with lakhs of people and martyrs, had played a major role in the freedom struggle.
Patriotic fervour was on full display at educational institutions, even as shops and business establishments in the city sported the tricolour. The national flag was displayed even on many vehicles.
In Mandya and Ramanagaram
Heavy to very heavy rain on Monday night dampened the spirit of Independence Day celebrations in Mandya and Ramanagaram on Tuesday, with the district administrations cancelling most of the planned programmes because of rainwater stagnating on the grounds.
While the programmes were held at the Sir M. Visvesvaraya District Stadium in Mandya town, in Ramanagaram they were organised at the district stadium near Police Bhavan. Cultural programmes and parades by students were cancelled, much to the disappointment of the young ones.
In Mandya, Housing Minister M. Krishnappa, who is also in charge of the district, hoisted the tricolour. Referring to various State government-sponsored schemes in his speech, Mr. Krishnappa said the government was striving to uplift the poor and the downtrodden through various welfare programmes.
In Ramanagaram, Energy Minister D.K. Shivakumar did the honours. He said the government was committed to the comprehensive development of the State and has been formulating and implementing programmes for all sections of society.
