Children in tricolour brighten I-Day function (Snippets)

NEW DELHI - As the tricolour unfurled at the Red Fort, children dressed in saffron, white and green - colours of the national flag - seated on the front lawn made a bright and cheerful statement with their presence.

The enthusiastic children clapped the loudest when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived and cheered when he mentioned the Right to Education act, the legislation which provides for free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14.

The audience too comprised a large number of children who were escorted to the venue by their teachers as early as 5 a.m. Many of them held tricolour pom-poms, adding more colour and vibrancy to the celebrations.

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Rain, rain go away

The crowd gathered for the Independence Day function at the Red Fort were a worried lot. The weather office had predicted rains and they had been strictly prohibited from carrying umbrellas to the venue for security reasons.

The invitation card had specifically mentioned that only raincoats were allowed.

But much to their relief, the rain gods did not smile.

However, the high humidity was reflected as many of the VIPs were seen fanning themselves with their invitation cards.

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Taking a cleanliness lesson from PM

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his address, expressed concern over India lagging behind in terms of cleanliness and sanitation and called for a ‘Clean India’ campaign where children are taught about “hygiene”.

Listening raptly to his message, the around 500-odd school children took it to heart. Usually the Red Fort area looks like a garbage dump after the Independence Day celebrations as children litter the place with empty food packets.

But this Sunday it was different. The premises wore a spic and span look.

A lesson well learnt and some relief for the cleaners.

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Of patriotic songs, balloons

The majestic Red Fort facade was decked with flowers and the colours of the national flag could be seen everywhere. But what heightened the patriotic mood were soul-stirring songs sung by children in many Indian languages.

Many in the audience were seen humming the tunes, while others tapped their feet while waiting for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to arrive for the function.

And stealing the show at the end of the celebrations were the tricolour balloons floating in the sky.

Saffron, white and green helium balloons with folded flags attached to them were released, and the audience, specially the children, strained their necks looking upwards to trace the skyward journey.

Many of the children clapped loudly when the folded flags, filled with glitter, unfolded as the balloons rose upwards.