THE WEEK-LONG `Jhanda Ooncha Rahe Hamara’ campaign began today with cultural programmes and speeches delivered by distinguished residents including Mayor Dr Uma Shashi Sharma and Superintendent of Police Adarsh Katiyar.
The main function began at Gandhi Hall with singing of `Vande Mataram’ this morning. Earlier, schoolchildren who had gathered in large numbers welcomed the guests with flags. Child singer Akanksha Jachak sang patriotic songs.
After the speeches, the children and guests paid tributes to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for country’s honour at Shahid Smarak erected outside the Hall. Children released balloons and pigeons as mark of peace and harmony on the occasion.
The participants then walked up to the replica of India Gate erected at Regal Junction and paid floral tributes to the soldiers. State Public Works Department Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya joined rest of the participants in paying tributes.
Those present at Gandhi Hall function included Additional Collector Rameshwar Gupta, Agniban editor Rajesh Chelawat, BJP MLA Usha Thakur, City Qazi Dr Isharat Ali, ex-MLA Satyanarayan Patel, City Congress president Ujagar Singh, Congress corporator Arvind Bagadi, City Congress leader K K Mishra and Tariq Khan among others.