Scribes lock horns with officials on soccer pitch

Varanasi, Aug 15 (UNI) Media personnel and district officials, played a friendly soccer match this evening at the Sampoornand Stadium here to mark the 59th Independence Day.

Though the final scoreline of the 40 minute match, read in favour of the officials assisted by former international players including Nur Alam, the clash gave a befitting culmination to the I'Day celebrations in the city.

''The match gave the much needed respite to the officials as well as scribes and even brought some of the hidden soccer talent on the pitch, especially in District Magistrate Rajiv Agrawal, who opened the scoreline with a rasping left-foot strike,'' Kashi Patrakar Sangh secretary Rohit Chaturvedi said.

Meanwhile, I'day was celebrated with fullsome gaiety and fervour across the city, including the police lines, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Diesel Locomotive Worshop (DLW). The day was marked by colourful celebrations at various schools including the St Johns School and Sumbeam School.

Earlier, last evening Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) -- BJP student wing -- members lit up the Bharat Mata Temple with a chain of twinkling 'diyas' as a tribute to martyrs during a special 'Dipdaan' ceremony.

UNI ARS DH KN1942