Mysuru: It was Independence Day, and people from all walks of life appeared to be in the throes of a heady patriotism in the city on Wednesday. The sight of the
Tricolour fluttering in the gusty wind was near ubiquitous in the ‘Heritage City’
Students marching in perfect harmony with one another, and paying their respect to the national anthem, before standing forthright in deference to the
national anthem was a common sight at schools and colleges. Many citizens had tied the
national flag to their automobiles on the occasion, while most commercial establishments sported its bright and dazzling colours.
Members of the Mysuru District and City Freedom Fighters’ Association hoisted the flag at Subbarayana Kere to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, differently-abled students of Ranga Rao Memorial School rendered patriotic songs and participated in a drill as part of the Indenpendece Day celebrations.
At Crawford Hall, the administrative hub of the University of Mysore (UoM), the varsity’s in-charge vice-chancellor Prof. TK Umesh unfurled the tricolour, while member of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family Pramoda Devi Wadiyar participated in the Independence Day celebrations at the Vani Vilas Ladies’ Club.
Meanwhile, the Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association decided to serve up a feast to mark the occasion, baking a 150-foot long cake weighing a staggering 480kg, which features the images of several freedom fighters and rulers including the Wadiyars. The cake reportedly cost Rs 2 lakh to make, and was baked by the Dolphin Bakery.
On the other hand, deputy commissioner Abhiram G Sankar hoisted the tricolour at the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (Muda) office premises.
SBRR Mahajana First Grade College, Mahabodhi School, JSS Group of institutions and other renowned educational institutions held Independence Day celebrations.
‘Hasiru Karnataka’ campaign launched
Meanwhile, higher education minister
GT Devegowda launched the ‘Hasiru Karnataka’ campaign at the Torchlight Parade Ground in Bannimantap. Devegowda planted a few saplings, and watered them before letting fly green balloons to indicate the ‘take-off’ of the initiative. Narasimharaja MLA Tanveer Sait, zilla panchayat president Nayeema Sultana, Mayor B Bhagyavati, deputy mayor Indira Mahesh, chief conservator of forests S Venkatesan, deputy chief conservator of forests TK Hanumanthappa and DCFs Siddaramappa and KM Chandrashekar were among those who were present on the occasion.
