RAIPUR,CG: Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka hoisted the national flag at Raj Bhavan on Thursday on the occasion of Independence Day and took the salute of the parade. First Lady Ranee Deka Kakoty was also present.

He warmly greeted the family members and children of the Raj Bhavan employees, distributing toffees and sweets to the children. The parade at Raj Bhavan was led by Sumit Gupta, Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Chief Justice of High Court of Chhattisgarh Justice Ramesh Sinha offered flowers at the statue of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi and Father of the Constitution Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and hoisted the flag.  He then saluted the parade. CJ honoured the parade participants with memento.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister before participating in the central function at Police Ground, hoisted the National Flag at his residence. He extended his greetings and best wishes to everyone on Independence Day.

Officials of CM Secretariat, senior officials and employees were present.

Sai interacted with the young children of the officers and employees who came to celebrate at his residence. He asked their names and extended his congratulations and best wishes to them on Independence Day.

At Bilaspur, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao hoisted the flag in the district level function organized at the Police Ground. After the flag hoisting, a salute was given. Sao released white pigeons as a symbol of peace and released tricolor balloons into the sky as a symbol of joy and enthusiasm. 12 platoons dressed in full attire displayed a grand and attractive parade.

Sao read out the message of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to the people. He honoured the families of soldiers martyred in Naxal violence. 114 officers and employees working in various departments were honoured with citations for their excellent discharge of government functions and responsibilities. School children presented a cultural programme.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma led celebrations at Bastar by hoisting the flag and taking salute of the parade at Lalbagh Parade Ground in Jagdalpur.

After meeting the martyr families and ex-servicemen, he broke the protocol and also met the common citizens sitting in the audience gallery at the other end of the stage, during which he shook hands with the children. He gave away prizes to the winners of various events.

Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma led the main function organized at Khelbhaantha ground in Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district.

Officers, employees, players and social workers who performed excellently were honoured. The Revenue Minister read out the message given by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to the people of the state.

He then honoured the families of the martyred soldiers with shawls and quinces.

Independence Day was celebrated with great patriotic fervour at the Directorate of Public Relations. Public Relations Commissioner  Mayank Srivastava hoisted the national flag and garlanded the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, paying homage to the Father of the Nation. He extended his congratulations and best wishes to all the officials and employees on this occasion.

Similarly, other cabinet ministers, MLAs also led the Independence Day programme at the respective designated place assigned to them.