A large number of residents from different sections of society participated in a Tiranga Yatra organised by the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Thursday as part of the city’s Independence Day celebrations.
The procession was flagged off at 9 a.m. by Rajkot Municipal Corporation Mayor Dr Nehal Shukla and other officials. It began near the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Bahumali Bhavan Chowk in the Race Course area and proceeded along Chaudhary High School Road before concluding at Jubilee Garden.
The procession brought together people from a wide range of groups, including students from municipal schools, RMC-run high schools, universities, private schools and trust-run institutions.
Representatives of business and industrial associations, religious organisations, NGOs, sports bodies, NSS, NCC, the Indian Medical Association, chemists and druggists’ associations, hotels, restaurants and food vendors also participated.
MLAs Bhanu Babariya, Uday Kangad, Dr Darshita Shah and Ramesh Tilala, along with several civic and police officials, attended the event.
The civic body decorated buildings along the Race Course Ring Road and the route between Bahumali Bhavan Chowk and Jubilee Garden with the Tricolour.
Cultural performance stages, flag distribution counters, drinking water facilities and medical teams were arranged along the route. Police personnel, a band and fire brigade teams were also deployed to support the event.
Before the procession began, cultural groups performed raas-garba and tribal dances, adding a traditional element to the Independence Day programme.
Addressing participants, Mayor Dr Nehal Shukla said the yatra was part of an initiative launched across the country five years ago to strengthen national sentiment among citizens.
He said the large participation of Rajkot residents reflected the city’s enthusiasm and pride.
Shukla also emphasised the importance of connecting younger generations with India’s history and heritage through patriotic programmes. Referring to the Viksit Bharat goal, he said building a developed India was a collective responsibility involving citizens as well as government leadership.
The mayor also urged residents to avoid littering and contribute to keeping public spaces clean.
The procession concluded at Jubilee Garden, where participants and officials paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi.
The event combined patriotic activities, cultural performances and public participation as Rajkot prepared for the 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15
