Mah joins nation in celebrating 60th anniversary of Independence

Mumbai, Aug 15 (UNI) The 60th anniversary of Indian Independence was today celebrated with patriotic fervour and gaiety all over Maharashtra amid tight security as CM Vilasrao Deshmukh unfurled the tri-colour at Mantralaya.

In his speech, the CM pledged to instill confidence among the minorities and backward classes and deliver justice to all.

Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil, Mumbai Mayor Dr Shubha Raul, Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Swatantrakumar, Mumbai Police Commissioner D N Jadhav, State Director General of Police Dr P S Pasricha, officers of the three wings of the defence forces, Chief Secretary Johnny Joseph were among the eminent personalities present on the occasion.

Top brass of the police department and bureaucrats joined the CM in saluting the tri-colour as it was unfurled.

Mr Deshmukh, clad in a bandgala and a gandhi cap, accompanied by his wife Vaishali offered floral tributes to the portrait of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the lobby of the Mantralaya building.

In his brief speech, the CM extended greetings to the people on the historic occasion and announced his Government's decision to introduce new schemes aimed at rural uplift --Mahatma Gandhi Tantamukt Gaon yogana (rift-free village) and Doctor Tumchya Gaavi (doctor at your village).

''Farmer suicides and lack of confidence among the backward classes and minorities are among the issues being faced by the state in present times. Budgetary allocation is being made for the uplift of backward classes and tribals. The state has successfully carved a niche for itself in the national politics and development,'' Mr Deshmukh added.

He described the 60th anniversary of independence as a day of introspection. Mr Deshmukh sought people's co-operation in the endeavour of his Government to take the state on the path of progress and development.

In Mumbai, flag hoisting ceremonies were held at Bombay High Court, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Western and Central Railway headquarters, Government establishments, offices of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress, Mumbai Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party.

Commercial, educational and residential buildings also celebrated the day. People from all walks of life enthusiastically participated in the Independence day celebrations.

Patriotic songs were aired at railway stations and a group of youngsters distributed flags to the commuters at the stations and in the trains. The youngsters were in groups and raised 'Jai Bharat' and 'Vande Mataram' slogans.

At Churchgate and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) stations, street children sold flags at Rupee one and commuters allowed the children to pin the flag on their sleeves. Armed policemen kept a strict vigil on the passers-by on major roads and at railway stations.

Elsewhere in the state, Guardian ministers participated in the flag hoisting ceremonies in their respective district headquarters.

UNI