India celebrates in festive spirit to mark 75 years of independence

The 100-year-old Krishnavva Pamal attended with her daughter and granddaughter. (Chetana Belagere/South First)

Pamal reminisced of Mahatama Gandhi when she learnt of the 75th anniversary of Independence, and said, “So, it’s been 75 years? That’s why we are hoisting the flag on our Independence Day? He (Gandhi) fought for us and they shot him! He can never come back. At least we have our independence!”

Rajani Kalwad told South First, “The number 75 certainly has woven its magic. We are more appreciative of what independence means, what we have been taking for granted. It takes the little ones in Khadi holding little flags and singing their hearts out to remind us of our fortune.”

Meena, selling flags at her kiosk in Hyderabad, was wearing white attire and a matching tricolour bindi when South First spotted her.

Meena’s tricolour bindi was on theme with the celebrations. (Deeksha Devadiga/South First).

“Compared to the last few years, this year the celebrations are in full swing. Har Ghar Tiranga has created more business in my small shop, so I am very happy,” she said.

The 28-year-old Muni Raju, an auto driver in Bengaluru’s Majestic area, was also delighted to celebrate India’s 75th anniversary of independence.

Auto-rickshaw drivers were found displaying national flags on their vehicles. (Saurav Kumar/South First)

He told South First, “It is a day to express pride and happiness as the country celebrates Independence Day.” He had displayed a big national flag on his auto.

Students attended the flag-hosting ceremonies at their respective schools and later took to the streets to click pictures and make videos for social media.

Schoolgirls Supriya, Mridula, Laxmi, Tirumala, Ranilaxmi. (Deeksha Devadiga/South First).

Laxmi, who attends a school in Hyderabad, said, “Our teachers explained to us the significance of independence, and we celebrated by hosting the national flag and through cultural events in our school. Now we are making Reels in our matching outfits.”

Shivanna (48), a resident of Jayanagara in Bengaluru, had also attached the national flag to his auto-rickshaw. He said he had done it three days earlier

Auto-rickshaw drivers were found displaying national flags on their vehicles. (Saurav Kumar/South First)

On the 75th anniversary of Independence, he happily displays tricolour by earning a livelihood.

Residents of Somajiguda in Hyderabad decorated their locality with tricolour streamers and balloons and distributed sweets to children.

Residents of Somajiguda in Hyderabad hoisted the flag in their area. (Deeksha Devadiga/South First).

N Ravindra, who lives there, told South First, “We are celebrating 75 years of independence. This year has created a platform for us to celebrate this day every year on a grand scale.”

Another resident, Narendra Yadav, suggested similar celebrations every year and said, “The festive atmosphere leading up to this day has been a wonderful journey. We should start preparing for the celebrations from 13 August every year.”

Children are learning the importance of independence. (Sumit Kumar Jha/South First).

Asritha and Akshobhya are learning about country’s proud heritage. “We gained independence from the British 75 years ago. That’s why we are celebrating Independence Day,” said three-year-old Akshobhya, from Narsingi in Hyderabad.

Srikanth Reddy, a resident of Nallagandla in Hyderabad, told South First, “It’s an amazing feeling to celebrate independence day with elders and the young generation together. The best way to celebrate independence is to take our responsibility seriously and spread love. We chose the path of a free republic, of social upliftment, and of building an economy based on domestic strength. We have come a long way. It’s a strength and we should cherish it.”

Nitish Nandnoor, a resident of Hyderabad. (Sumit Kumar Jha/ South First)

Another resident of Hyderabad, Nitish Nandnoor, said, “Even when the nation proudly celebrates 75 years of independence, news of crimes based on caste and gender are prevalent. I believe that we will truly be independent when all sections of society are liberated from oppression. But, we have come a long way, and I strongly believe that India will someday become the utopia our forefathers envisioned.”