Delhiites brave rains to celebrate I-Day

Incessant rain failed to dampen the spirit of Delhiites as a large number of people, including children from different city schools, participated in the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort here.

Unexpected showers caught by surprise everyone present to see the unfurling of tricolour by Prime Minister and thereafter hear his address to the nation. A total of 5.5 mm of rains were recorded in the city by 8.30 AM.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was received by Defence Minister A K Antony, Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju and the three Service Chiefs at the Lahore Gate. Defence Secretary introduced the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area, to the Prime Minister. Then Singh, accompanied by the General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area proceeded towards the saluting base.

Thereafter, Singh inspected a guard of honour. He then proceeded to the ramparts of the fort and urfurled the tri colour. As the Tricolour opened majestically the cannons boomed and the sound of 21 guns brought a sudden frenzy as pigeons took to the air.

About 3,000 children from 35 schools of the national capital sat in such a way that a bird view of the arrangement gave an impression of India Gate. The children cheered when a large number of balloons were released in the sky at the end of the function to signal the spirit of true freedom.