Kerala - Kochi   

Call to ensure development of nation

Photo: Vipinchandran

SPECIAL OCCASION: Public Works Minister T.U. Kuruvilla inspecting a guard of honour at the Independence Day parade in Kochi on Wednesday.

KOCHI: Parades, hoisting of the national flag and public meetings marked the Independence Day celebrations in the district on Wednesday.

In his Independence Day address, Public Works Minister T.U. Kuruvilla called for concerted efforts to ensure the overall development of society. The public should realise the importance of freedom and work towards the progress of the nation, he said.

Mr. Kuruvilla hoisted the national flag at the St. Albert’s College ground, Kaloor, and took the salute. The police, NCC, Scouts and Guides, Junior Red Cross, Bulbuls, Cubs and bands attended the parade.

The prize winners in various categories of the parade: Police – District Armed Reserve (Rural); NCC – Senior Division Naval wing (unarmed unit); NCC Army wing junior division (Girls); Scouts – CCPLMAIHS, St. Mary’s HS, St. Antony’s HS. Bulbuls – St. Marty’s LPS, LMCCLPS. Band – St. Teresa’s HS, LMCCHS, St. Mary’s HS, CCPLMAIHS. Students of Government Girls High School won applause for their rendering of the patriotic song. The Minister also presented the police medals to the personnel of the force. K. Babu, MLA; District Collector A.P.M. Muhammad Hanish; and City Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham attended.

The Naval Base wore a festive look on the occasion of the 60th Independence Day. A ceremonial parade was held at the Naval Base. Naval warships were also ‘dressed overall,’ as per maritime traditions with display of the Tricolour from the bow to the stern of the ship.

Vice-Admiral S.K. Damie, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, laid a wreath at the war memorial to honour those who laid down their lives for the cause of the nation.

He later reviewed a parade consisting of 50-men guard of honour with President’s colours and 16 platoons commanded by Commander Sandeep Naik. The Naval Band was also in attendance. The Admiral met flag officers and commanding officers of ships based here and addressed the gathering.

Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court H.L. Dattu distributed mementoes to the participants of the Independence Day celebrations organised by the Kerala High Court Advocates’ Association.

M.P. Krishnan Nair, president of the association, hoisted the national flag and delivered the Independence Day message.

Various organisations, including residents’ associations and social organisations, also organised Independence Day programmes.

Independence Day was celebrated at the Cochin International Airport. Shriram Bharath, managing director of Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL), hoisted the Tricolour in the morning.

This was followed by a parade by the contingents of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the fire wing of the Kochi airport.

Airport Director A.C.K. Nair, CISF Commandant Rajiv Pant, emigration and customs officials, and airline representatives were among those who were present.

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