I-Day celebrated with great gusto: TTD EO Anil Kumar Singhal

Tirupati: The 73rd Independence Day was celebrated with enthusiasm in the pilgrim city on Thursday. As part of the celebrations hoisting of national flag, meetings, cultural programmes and distribution of sweets was conducted in various offices and institutions in Tirumala and Tirupati, government departments, universities, schools and colleges, private institutions and by individuals also.

Speaking after hoisting the tricolor flag at TTD Administrative Office here, Executive Officer (EO) Anil Kumar Singhal called on the employees to strive their best for serving the pilgrims and gear up for the smooth and successful conduct of the annual Brahmotsavams to be held in Tirumala from September 30 to October 8.

The EO said the TTD has taken up the strengthening of queue lines and also improving facilities in shed in Narayanagiri Garden area with a cost of Rs 25 crore and also speeded up the ring road works to cope with the increased traffic on the hills.

Marking the occasion, he gave away silver dollars and appreciation certificate to 39 officers and 187 employees in recognition of their meritorious service and also cash prize to 139 children of TTD employees and 9 students SV Balamandir for their best performance in Intermediate and SSC, this year.

In the Police Parade Grounds, Independence Day was observed by Tirupati Urban Police in which SP KKN Anburajan took the guard of honour from the parading police. The SP explained the initiatives taken by Urban Police to become more people friendly and also for safety and security of women and children. Plans are afoot to install 870 more CCTV cameras under Command and Control in the city for better traffic management and preventing crimes.

Revenue Divisional Officer Kanaka Narasa Reddy addressing a meeting after hoisting national flag in RDO office sought the employees to ensure the success of the government prestigious 'Spandana' programme launched for effective redressal of complaints and petitions from the people.

Regional Science Centre, on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations organised several programmes for children after the flag hoisting. 'Nest a Bird Work' was held to sensitise the children on the need of saving birds in our vicinity and also screening of documentary film on Mahatma Gandhi to rekindle national spirit among children.

Independence Day also observed with fervour in SV Vedic University, SV Veterinary University, SVIMS, SPDCL and also Municipal Corporation of Tirupati and TUDA.

To mark the occasion, Corporation Commissioner PS Girisha gave away the identity cards to the newly appointed ward volunteers at a function held in Nehru Municipal high school here.

Political party activists including Congress and BJP also observed Independence Day. Congress activists led by senior leader K Pramilamma hoisted national flag at Krishnapuram Thana while BJP city president Varaprasad unfurled the national flag.

Sri City community celebrated the Independence Day with zeal and fervour. In a function held at the lawns of Business Centre in Sri City, DSP Vimala Kumari unfurled the national flag and took the salute in an impressive parade held by the contingents of Sri City Security force. Vimala Kumari addressing the gathering recalled the sacrifices of the freedom fighters and briefly summarized the progress achieved by the country in different spheres during the past seventy years.

In Madanapalle, Sub-Collector Keerti Chekuri addressed a meeting after unfurling national flag in Sub-Collector office. He recalled the sacrifice made by our people for the freedom of the country and underlined the need for working together for the progress of the nation.