Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao took the first step in reviving the glory of the historic Golconda Fort by unfurling the national flag there on the occasion of the country's 68th Independence Day, on Friday.
The Parade Grounds at Secunderabad, which was the venue for the official Independence Day celebrations of Andhra Pradesh for over five decades, was visited by the Chief Minister only to pay tributes to the martyrs.
He then proceeded to Golconda to lead the official celebrations.
Elaborate and impressive arrangements were made at the historic fort, where KCR unfurled the national flag on a 62-feet tall pole from a makeshift platform close to the Taramati mosque.
The Chief Minister was also presented a guard of honour by a police contingent.
After hoisting the flag, he delivered the traditional speech, unveiling several welfare schemes for the new State as part of it.
Prior to the arrival of the Chief Minister, several cultural groups presented different programs in the Telugu and Urdu languages, showcasing the culture of Telangana.
The Chief Minister began his speech by highlighting the significance of the historic Golconda Fort and its relevance to Telangana's history and culture.
Later, he distributed medals among police personnel, cash awards to sport personalities, and patta certificates to Dalit women. (INN)
Photo on home page courtesy of The Hindu Business Line.