Governor pays homage at Gandhi Ghat on I-day

Barrackpore, Aug 15 (UNI) Despite red alert across the state, Independence Day celebrations began amid much fanfare with Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi placing floral wreaths at the Gandhi Memorial Column here at Gandhi Ghat on the Eastern banks of river Bhagirathi.

Prayer meetings and patriotic songs were also held along with ritual spinning.

The official function was observed amid unprecedented security, even as Mr Gandhi sat with the children on the dias celebrating the 59th anniversary of Indian Independence.

West Bengal PWD Minister Kshiti Goswami, Chief Secretary Amit Kiran Deb, DGP A K Vora and District Magistrate, North 24 Parganas were among others who placed floral wreaths at the coloumn.

Earlier, Mr Gandhi, accompanied by his wife came down to the ghat and washed their hands, and placed floral wreaths to offer their tribute to the father of the nation.

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