Rain fails to dampen I-Day spirit
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh unfurled the National Flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort amid incessant rains on Monday. Schoolchildren braved the rains as they took part in the celebrations.
Though the VVIPs were seen protecting themselves with umbrellas, the enthusiasm of spectators was not affected by the showers. As per rule, the security personnel did not allow spectators to carry their umbrellas inside the Red Fort premises.
The schoolchildren wearing tricolour performed classical dance to present different shades of the heritage of Indian culture. Dressed in tracksuits in tricolour shades, about 3,000 children from 35 schools in the city took part in the I-Day celebrations at Red Fort.
The Prime Minister hoisted the flag at 7 am which was accompanied by a salute of 21 cannons.
“It rained continuously but we enjoyed a lot. Performing in rain was fun. We were fully drenched and shivering because of the cool winds. It was an extraordinary experience. We were preparing for the event for the last one month,” said Akhil Chandra, a student.
“This is the seventh year that I have come to watch the Independence Day ceremony. I come all the way from Darbhanga with my family. But this year, the rains created problems for us,” said Pankaj Singh, a spectator.
Rain began around 5.30 am and continued through the 90-minute function that started at 7 am and came to a close at 8.20 am when Prime Minister concluded his 40-minute long speech. A total of 28.5 mm of rains was recorded in the last 24 hours ending 8.30 am.
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