From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Aug 16: Rani Abbakkadevi, the 16th century queen of Ullal, who valiantly fought against the Portugese conquerors, and the legendary Tiger of Mysore, Tippu Sultan, were among the many splendid tableaux that mesmerized the large gathering at the 66th Independence Day Parade held at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Karnataka’s State Capital of Bangalore on Wednesday.

Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, who received the guard of honour and inspected the impressive march past at the ceremonial Independence Day parade, witnessed the colourful programmes by students from different schools from different parts of the city.

The ceremonial march past was led by contingents of the Karnataka State Reserve Police, Home Guards, Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services, National Cadet Corps, Traffic Wardens, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Seva Dal, Excise, and volunteers and boys and girls from schools across the city.

The Rani Abbakkadevi dance recital presented by a large contingent of 650 children of BBMP Boys and Girls High School, Austin Town, bagged the first prize in the cultural programme category for depicting the heroics of Rani Abbakkadevi against the Portuguese rulers in 1567.

Another big contingent of 500 children of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bagalur, Bangalore Urban district, presented a dance on a theme “Heroic Sacrifices” and received the second prize.

The dance created awareness about history of Indian independence and the sacrifice of many determined spirits.

The 600-strong troupe of Government High School, Uttarahalli, Bangalore South, presented folk dance got the third prize. St Lourde’s High School, Mathikere, bagged the consolation prize.

In the march past, a big troupe of Gulabi Girls High School, managed by the Bethany Educational Society, Mangalore, won the first prize and the trophy.

Bangalore International Public School, and Ashwini Primary and High School, Cauvery High School, SARS Little Flower Public School, Delhi Public School, Police Public School and Indian Red Cross bagged prizes in various categories for participating in the march-past.

Ramana Mahashri School for the Blind, Samarthanam Trust, Hamsadwani for Deaf and Dumb also bagged prizes for participating in the parade.

Sister Cynthia Pais, the Headmistress, who spoke to Daijiworld, thanked the Assistant Teacher H Rajanna and Physical Education Instructor Joseline Rodrigues for training the students, which helped them in securing the first prize.