Rains, Covid-19 fail to dampen spirit

ENSURING THAT the official timing of flag hoisting is maintained, Md. Abdul Salam unfurled the Tricolour as scheduled at 8.30 am at Noori Nagar in Chandrayangutta, even though it was raining incessantly.

THE CENTENARY Methodist Church hoisted the Flag on the church with the clergy witnessing the event.

Incessant rains and fear of Covid-19 could not dampen the spirit of Independence and hoisting of National Flag all over the city, especially in residential areas and at crossroads. A group of residents near Ameerpet kept an umbrella above the Tricolour to protect it from the rain. Religious institutions too showed enthusiasm in unfurling the flag.

Ensuring that the official timing of flag hoisting is maintained, Md. Abdul Salam unfurled the Tricolour as scheduled at 8.30 am at Noori Nagar in Chandrayangutta, even though it was raining incessantly. Salam, along with other residents, said, “This is to prove that no rain or storm can stop us from celebrating our Independence Day”.

A crossroads near Satyam theatre at Ameerpet, where a group hoists the flag every year, was unique in that an open umbrella was installed above the flag pole. One of its organisers, Sumeet Singh, said, “Since the rain showed no signs of stopping, we did not want to postpone the event till it stopped. When our soldiers are fighting in snow on the border, can’t we stand in the rain,” he said.

At Gunfoundry too residents Ashish Mark, Zafer Khan, Eugen Harry,

Jayanthi Lal, Om Prakesh, Atin and Nitin Jaiswal unfurled the National Flag. Nitin Jaiswal said hoisting of the Flag gave them the feeling of oneness. None complained of rain and it did not cause any hindrance in unfurling the Flag, he maintained.

The Centenary Methodist Church hoisted the Flag on the church with the clergy witnessing the event. Bishop M.A. Daniel, who unfurled the Tricolour, appreciated all pastors for reaching at the scheduled time of the event even though it was raining.

Arya Samaj Sultan Bazaar in-charge Ramchander Raju hoisted the Flag at Koti Ashok Pillar. The Arya Samaj volunteers ensured that people did not crowd and ensured social distancing while witnessing the event.