Patna, Aug. 15: Patriotic fervour gripped residents of all ages on the 70th Independence Day.
Schools and colleges celebrated the day by unfurling the Tricolour and holding various cultural programmes. Students performed to patriotic songs, while various organisations tried to give it a different feel by distributing free food among poor people, holding blood donation camp among other things. Even showers in the morning couldn't dampen the spirit of the residents.
The Roti Bank, a sister concern of non-government organisation Bihar Youth Force, distributed food among the poor near Patna Junction. "Roti Bank collects food from various families and distributes it to the poor. Today, we organised a massive food distribution drive for poor people. The idea was to celebrate Independence with all poor and rich. Why should the poor miss out on the celebrations?" said Rishikesh Narayan Singh, the Roti Bank co-ordinator.
The Patliputra branch of Marwari Yuva Manch and Lions Club of Patna Buddha organised a blood donation camp at RK Bhattacharya Road and Lohanipur respectively. Over 100 people donated blood at the Marwaari Yuva Manch camp, while 30 people took part in the Lions Club drive.
"We thought to address the real issues on this Independence Day. As the ratio of voluntary blood donation is still low and patients requiring blood of particular group still face problem in getting blood during treatment in hospital, we decided to hold this camp. Instead of organising cultural programme or any other event, we hold blood donation camp or similar activity so that we can help the society and ultimately the nation," said Bindhyachal Priyadarshi, a member of Lions Club of Patna Buddha.
Independence day celebrations in various apartments across Patna were also colourful as residents unfurled the Tricolour and distributed jalebis, laddoos and bundiyas. "We have been celebrating Independence Day in our apartment for past 20 years. After hosting the flag, we distribute sweets," said Jayashri Agarwal, who resides in Asha Vatika apartment in Shastri Nagar.
Some residents chose to laze indoors, while some went for movies. Anshu Sinha (37), a resident of Patliputra, said: "My husband and I went to see Toilet: Ek Prem Katha at Cinepolis today. Thereafter, we went for lunched at a restaurant."
