Date:16/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/16/stories/2007081654920600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

I-Day spirit all-pervasive

Staff Reporter

— Photo: K. R. Deepak

ARTISTIC TOUCH: A sand sculpture done by Sri Sampath Vinayaka Association at Ramakrishna Beach in Visakhapatnam.

VISAKHAPATNAM: The spirit of patriotism was at its peek all throughout the week as the 60th Independence Day was celebrated on Wednesday with enthusiasm and fervour.

The city was soaked in the shades of the tri-colour as people celebrated the day in different ways. Patriotic fervour oozed out at the beach as people came out in hordes with the national flags. A huge sand sculpture of the Indian map etched on the beach by the Sri Sampath Vinayaka Association (Akkayyapalem) was the main attraction. Flat associations in the city conducted many programmes to celebrate I-Day.

Meanwhile, several schools and colleges celebrated the Independence Day with patriotic fervour. Ambedkar Institute of Management Studies celebrated the day with a host of activities. Director of the institute C. Suryanarayana hoisted the National Flag and exhorted the students to be truthful and contribute to the continual development of the country.

I-Day was celebrated in a grand way at V.T. High School. A march past was organised in the school. Students also performed a colourful cultural dance programme at the Police Grounds.

ICFAI National College, in association with the Rotary Club of Waltair, organised a blood donation camp as part of the celebrations. The camp was inaugurated by president of the Rotary Club of Waltair Leonora R. Mohan. More than 50 students donated blood in the camp. Vice-principal of ICFAI M. Sudha appreciated the efforts of the students for taking part in the camp.

Gymnastics

At Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vihar, students presented a colourful cultural programme depicting the freedom struggle. A fine display of sports and gymnastics was presented by the primary and senior students.

D.A.V. Public School, Butchirajupalem, celebrated the day in a colourful way. Director of D.A.V. Institutions Nanduri Sobhanadri, who was the chief guest on the occasion, emphasized the need to inculcate moral, spiritual and patriotic values among the children.

At A.V.N. College, Chairman and Managing Director of Dredging Corporation of India Ltd. A.K. Dhar hoisted the flag.

He spoke about the sacrifices of freedom fighters and stressed the need to take up an active role in the nation building process. Correspondent Indrani Jaggarow and principal N. Venkateshwara Rao addressed the gathering.