“In the last 100 years, India had achieved three milestones - Independence in 1947, economic liberation in 1991, and integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union of India now,” pointed out Special Chief Secretary, Department of Higher Education J.S.V. Prasad.
Addressing students of VIT, Amaravati campus, on the occasion of Independence Day on Thursday, Mr. Prasad said students should work with dedication and serve their country at all times and under all circumstances.
After unfurling the National Flag and receiving a guard of honour, he felicitated a group of ‘unsung heroes’ drawn from various departments for their exemplary services. VIT has a tradition of honouring ‘unsung heroes’ on this important day. This year it had identified fire department personnel, AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) drivers, and police constables, three each, and a representative of an NGO.
Beyond duty’s call
M.N. Satyanarayana, Ch. Sriramulu Reddy and B. Syam Prasad, firemen from Tuni, Rajahmahendravanam and Kakinada respectively, were felicitated in recognition of their sincere efforts for serving beyond the call of the duty.
Passengers first
Family members of the late RTC driver D. Subramanya Raju were felicitated. He worked at Puttur depot and saved the lives of 18 passengers on board the bus he was driving. Despite a heart attack, he did not leave the stearing, and parked the vehicle to safety.
P. Immanuel of Podili depot and S. Narayanappa from Kuppam depot, also showed similar heroism even after they suffered a heart attack while manoeuvring the wheel.
Saving lives
Anke Srinivasa Rao, Madala Venkata Rao and Sonagiri Satheesh Kumar, all three from Venkatagiri, sacrificed their own lives while saving others.
Social worker and counsellor at Green Valley Foundation, Visakhapatnam, Uma Mahendra Raj was honoured for her remarkable services to eradicate alcoholism and drug addiction.
The University Chancellor G. Viswanathan, Vice-Chancellor D. Subhakar, vice-president Sankar Viswanathan, Registrar CLV Siva Kumar, and others were present.
