Independence Day celebrated with gaiety

KOCHI: Various organisations and schools in the city celebrated the 65th anniversary of India’s Independence on Monday in a traditional manner. The Indian National Congress, Ernakulam South Mandalam and the Kerala Students Union, Ernakulam district committee, celebrated it with gaiety and enthusiasm. AICC member Simi Rosebell John hoisted the national flag at the South mandalam office. South Mandalam president David Prambithara, Youth Congress Mandalam president Jojo Josy and other  activists were present. Kerala Students Union district president Jinto John hoisted the flag and read out the Independence day message at Kadavanthra Junction. DCC general secretary P D Martin, Congress Mandalam president Antony were among those who participated in the celebrations. The Sree Narayana Upper Primary School and the National Public School also celebrated the Independence Day. The teachers and children of the Sree Narayana Upper Primary School in Kangarappady took out a rally as part of their celebrations. The National Public school in Kaloor  also took out a rally. They also conducted various competitions as part of the celebrations. Meanwhile, in Nedumbassery, V J Kurien, Managing Director, Cochin International Airport Ltd, inaugurated the Independence Day celebrations at the airport. Our country witnessed atrocities in the name of terrorism, Naxalism, extremism, etc in some areas. We should not let our country bleed and burn further, he said.  He hoisted the Tricolour and inspected the parade of the commandoes and teams of CISF and CIAL Fire and Security Personnel. Airport Director ACK Nair, CISF Commandentent Ajay Dahiya, CIAL Executive Directors A M Shabeer, R Venkiteswaran were also present on the occasion.Each citizen must be cautious and vigilant against  anti-national activities, Kurien said.  The increasing unemployment, illiteracy, dowry deaths, malnutrition, infant mortality rate and female infanticide which prevent our growth should be addressed.  Security threat is another problem.Yet India’s growth in  GDP, per capita and national income give us great hopes, he said. Every citizen should feel proud to be an Indian.Kurien assured the people who lost their land and house for the airport construction that they would be absorbed in CIAL and its related and allied agencies within the next three years.He called upon CIAL employees and others to pledge to act well, think well and pray well not only for themselves but also for the welfare of the nation.