Blessings and prayers for India’s defence forces and patriotic songs from Manoj Kumar’s films coloured the 66th anniversary of India’s Independence on Thursday.
The nation’s martyrs were remembered at solemn flag-hoisting ceremonies across government offices, schools and colleges and housing societies. Few households follow the practice of placing the Tricolour at the balcony or window as they did before, but paper flags and desktop memorabilia do find takers.
A touching ceremony unfolded in Chembur gymkhana where a local citizens’ forum felicitated war veteran Wing Commander Christopher Chatterjee for service to the nation. The fighter pilot was moved to tears by the love and respect of 200 citizens who gave him a standing ovation.
Wing Commander Chatterjee urged the youth to defy the atmosphere of gloom and join the defence forces. Meanwhile, the lakeside haven of Powai sought to shake off the monkey on its back at Independence Day.
The Rotaract Club of Chandrabhan Sharma College led a rally of 600 people to create awareness about the growing drug menace in the locality. “It is alarming to see children as young as 14 and 15 sinking into the clutches of weed. Students from five schools and colleges drafted posters and slogans to draw attention to the cause. Psychiatrist Harish Shetty and officials of Powai police led by inspector Yakub Mulla addressed the gathering,” said Mamata Asthana of the Rotary Club of Mumbai Lakers that mentors these youngsters.
On August 15 last year, the Lakers had started a programme called DEFY (Drug Education For You). Over in Andheri east, a group of 200 citizens rallied against the scourge of potholes by distributing jars of pain balm to passing motorists.
“Drivers and pedestrians face threat to life and limb each day. Our nation has devised ways to reach the moon but cannot repair lunar-size craters on our roads,” said Godfrey Pimenta of the Watchdog Foundation, which co-hosted the protest with Save Our Land (SOUL)Committee.
Source: http://www.article.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-16/mumbai/41417310_1_powai-demand-from-potholes
