Hyderabad: The spirit of patriotism swept through Hyderabad and Secunderabad, with the National Flag triumphantly fluttering everywhere and joyous people driving up and down the streets on cars and motorcycles waving the Tricolour.
The mood was euphoric as citizens went all out to show their love for the country. The joy was palpable with people, including children, wearing National Flag-themed clothing. People were seen dancing in the streets to the sounds of patriotic songs being played over loudspeakers.
The twin cities' monuments, heritage strucutures and government buildings, were illuminated in the colours of the National Flag. Charminar, the city's most iconic monument, was a hub of celebrations on the day, with hundreds thronging the monument. They took photos and selfies with the monument while holding various-sized flags, and some groups also sang patriotic songs.
The High Court was as stunning sight, lit up in saffron, white, and green. Tank Bund Road was yet another epicentre of activity. The stretch was lined with National Flags, and patriotic songs were played over loudspeakers. The Patton tank, captured from Pakistan during the war, was a major attraction with crowds climbing atop the war machine with the Tricolour to take selfies and photographs.
The 88-metre-tall National Flag at the Sanjeevaiah Park was another major draw. Many people, some in large groups, marched to the flag at the park's far end, raising patriotic slogans.
"I am 76 years old, and I have never seen people so happy and excited about celebrating Independence Day," Sudha Dave, a Secunderabad resident, said.
A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Veerula Sainik Smarak, Army Parade Ground, by the Armed Forces. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao laid a wreath at the Smarak and paid floral tributes to soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the country. When the Parade Ground was opened to the public, a large crowd gathered to pay their tributes while taking photos with the national flag.
Telangana veteran soldiers organised a 15-kilometre bike rally from P.V. Narasimha Rao Marg to the War Memorial. “We were a total of 150 jawans on 75 bikes to mark the 75th Independence Day. We also paid our tributes to the martyrs. I feel that our national flags must be hoisted 365 days and not just on Independence Day,” said Colonel Dr Srinivas Rao (retired).
