Independence Day marked with patriotic fervour in Thiruvananthapuram

The State capital witnessed spirited celebrations for the 79th Independence Day as various government institutions marked the occasion with patriotic fervour and ceremonial events on Friday.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar hoisted the national flag at the Kerala Raj Bhavan. The students of Cotton Hill LP School rendered patriotic songs on the occasion.

The Governor later hosted the customary ‘At Home’ programme at the Raj Bhavan.

The Legislative Assembly also celebrated the occasion in a grand manner. Speaker A.N. Shamseer hoisted the national flag and received a Guard of Honour from the Watch and Ward wing. Students of Holy Angels’ School presented a band performance.

Later, tributes were paid to national leaders with floral offerings and garlanding of statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, B.R. Ambedkar and K.R. Narayanan within the Assembly premises.

Additional Director General of Police S. Sreejith led the observance at the State Police Headquarters by paying homage at the Dheera Smrithi Bhoomi memorial by placing a wreath, followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honour. He then hoisted the national flag and addressed the gathering.

The Thiruvananthapuram division of Southern Railway celebrated Independence Day at the Divisional Railway Office in Thycaud. Divisional Railway Manager Divyakant Chandrakar hoisted the national flag and received salute at a ceremonial Railway Protection Force parade. The parade included women platoons and volunteers from the St. John Ambulance Brigade. Divisional Security Commissioner Muhammed Haniff also attended the event.

Additional District Magistrate Vineeth T.K. hoisted the national flag at the Thiruvananthapuram Collectorate. In his Independence Day message, he highlighted drug addiction as one of the major challenges facing the younger generation. He urged the youth to stay away from substance abuse to build a drug-free India.

Students from Peroorkada Government GHSS and Student Police Cadets presented salute on the occasion.