I-Day Sidelights

Around 3,500 children who had come from 36 government schools of the city cheered the Prime Minister’s address to the nation. Dressed in track-suits,they formed the replica of the national flag on the Red Fort grounds.

Defence Minister A K Antony and Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh welcomed Singh as he arrived on the ramparts. Singh,then accompanied by the GOC Delhi Area,reached the saluting base where a combined Inter-Services contingent presented general salute.

Before coming to Red Fort,Singh went to Rajghat and paid homage to father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi. The unfurling of the tricolour and national anthem was synchronised with the 21 gun salute by the 871 Field Regiment (SHINGO).

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar,Finance Minister P Chidambaram,External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid were some of the VVIPs present.