Only Police, Home Guards to take part in parade; No Scouts & Guides, NCC, NSS

Mysore/Mysuru: A full dress rehearsal was held at the Torchlight Parade Grounds in Bannimantap here this morning ahead of the 75th Independence Day.

Following instructions from the State Government to celebrate the national festival in low-key sans spectators, the District Administration held the full dress rehearsal where only Police and Home Guards participated. 

This year, there will be no cultural programmes and march- past by students in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. The Mounted Police, Karnataka State Reserve Police, City Armed Reserve, City Traffic, Women Police, District Armed Reserve, Police Band and Home Guards participated in the rehearsal. This was done by strictly adhering to COVID protocols.

Only ten contingents will participate in the actual celebrations on Aug. 15 and there will be no participation of Scouts & Guides, NCC, NSS, Seva Dal and school children at the parade, clarified City Police Commissioner Dr. Chandragupta.

As part of rehearsal today, the recorded address by last year’s District Minister was played. The Aug. 15 programmes include  arrival of guest, unfurling the Tricolour, rendering of National Anthem, offering guard of honour by Parade Commander, inspecting the parade by the chief guest, beginning of march-past, message by the chief guest, releasing Tricolour balloons, boosting the morale of COVID warriors and rendering of the Naadageethe.

Competitions online

As all Schools are closed, the Department of Education has sent a circular to all the DDPIs directing them to hold online competitions for children including essay writing, debate and quiz. 

The subject of competition must be regarding the history of Indian Independence struggle and the role of martyrs. The event at the School must be attended only by the Head Master, assistant teachers, Chairman and members of SDMC. Later photos of the event can be shared online, the circular said.