State Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Jaspal Singh unfurled the tricolour at the Railway Police Parade Ground, behind the District Collectorate. Offering Independence Day and Janmasthami greetings to the freedom fighters and the general public, Singh said despite the external aggression and internal strife the country had faced following its Independence, no compromises had been at the cost of the nation's security and the country had continued to develop progressively.

At a function organised at the Raopura Head Post office, Municipal Commissioner G R Aloria released a new stamp titled `Tribute to the Martyrs' issued by the Central Department of Posts and Telegraph.

Members of the city unit of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organised a `Bharatmata Poojan' at the Mandvi Gate on the occasion. An exhibition on the violent situation in Kashmir was also held followed by distribution of pamphlets regarding the same.

Patriotic songs were sung and dances performed at an Independence Day function organised by the Gujarat Refinery at its stadium. Refinery executive director P S Rao inspected a parade organised by the Central Industrial Security Force and school children.

Meanwhile, the first anniversary of the Viswakarma Welfare Association (VISWA) coincided with the Independence Day. Cultural programmes were conducted as part of the celebrations with M S University Vice Chancellor Padma Ramachandran attending the function as the chief guest.

The Raneshwar Foundation, also set up on August 15 last year, marked the Independence Day as well as Janmashtami by unfurling the national flag and taking out a rally near Manisha Char Rasta.