Mangaluru : The 73rd Independence Day celebrations were held at Nehru Maidan here on Thursday, August 15 with pomp, colour and patriotic fervour.

Deputy commissioner (DC) Sasikanth Senthil hoisted the national flag at 9 am.

Addressing the gathering the DC said, “The freedom which we got in 1947 is the result of continuous fight and sacrifice of our freedom fighters. They dreamt of a free and united India. Now at the time of 73rd celebration of our Independence, we should make sure that this unity maintained.

“We are witnessing severe flood situation in the district and state. We lost many lives and it damaged our homes, businesses and infrastructure. I salute the individuals, organisations, private institutions, various government departments and police for their timely help in emergency situations. Their swift action avoided more casualties and helped people in tough situations. On behalf of the government and district administration, I assure all kind of help to the people who are in distress due to flood,” he said.

The DC also felicitated toppers of district in SSLC examination namely Sri Lakshmi N, Mohammad Majeed, Tejaswi K, Santhosh, Pushpa Punya, Basappa Rudrappa Chalavayi, Rakshitha, Likhith Kumar, Rajin Taushiya in Dakshina Kannada, Mangaluru North and Mangaluru South categories.

The Karnataka state reserve police, district armed reserve police, civil police, traffic police team, NCC army, NCC Navy, NCC Airwing, Fire Squad, Bharath Sevadal, Women Police, Coastal Security Force, Home Guard and Police Band Team marched in unison.

In parade, NCC Air Wing and NCC Navel wing bagged first and second places.

MLA Vedavyas Kamath, MLC Ivan D Souza, Meenakshi Shanthigode, president, zilla panchayath, DK, and other elected representatives of district, heads of government departments, students and large number of general public attended the event.