The Hindu : Karnataka News : Many ways to celebrate freedom

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Aug 14, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Many ways to celebrate freedom

By Our Staff Reporter

BANGALORE, AUG. 13. "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways," said Elizabeth Barret Browning to her poet-husband Robert. On the eve of India's 58th Independence Day, Bangaloreans, like that long dead poetess, are "counting various ways" to celebrate their love for the country.

Now, sales of brooches and pins (shaped like the national flag and the map of India) have gone up. At practically every traffic junction, young boys can be seen hawking these badges/pins that come in the colours of the national flag. Prices range from Rs. 10 to Rs. 60 depending on the size.

And though small plastic flags are supposed to be banned, some vendors sell those as well. Last month, the Water Resources and Transport Minister, M. Mallikarjun Kharge, assured the Legislative Council that he would "direct all the district and sub-divisional magistrates to initiate stringent action against those who violated the Flag Code of India 2002 and `insulted' the national flag."

But he said the Government could not ensure that flags were printed only on the prescribed material.

Ban or no ban, citizens have been buying the plastic versions. "They are convenient to use and handle unlike the unwieldy ones made of cloth. We can stick them on the windshield of our vehicles," they argue.

Saplings planted

Schools in the city have come up with other "ways" to celebrate the occasion.

On Friday, the students and the management of Gopalan International School planted 1,000 saplings on their Brookefield campus.

On the other hand, the students of India International School collaborated with Dr. Agarwal's Hospital to hold a march for "eye awareness." Around 7 a.m. on Friday, they walked from the Parade Grounds on Mahatma Gandhi Road to Mayo Hall.

A city-based painter, Arulmurugan G., however, plans to paint portraits for August 15. He says funds raised in this manner will be given to the Cancer Patients Survival Network here.

So, that day, Mr. Arulmurugan will be present at Pearl Gallery, 2869, 1st main Road, Kodiahalli (ph: 25271890/98451 14366). Those who want their portraits done can drop in at the gallery between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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