Bengaluru Prepares for 80th Independence Day Ceremony at Manekshaw Parade Ground

Bengaluru is preparing to observe the 80th Independence Day on Saturday at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground. The event will feature a ceremonial parade with 1,360 members representing 37 police force contingents.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to hoist the national flag at 9 a.m., after which he will receive the salute and address the attendees. The celebrations will include a performance titled ‘Vande Mataram Shanti Mantra Nrithya Roopaka’ by 800 children, and another performance, “Bharat Jodo Yuva Sangha Yojane”, by 600 students from various colleges. Additionally, 70 women constables from Bidar and 100 from Bengaluru City Police, forming "The Akka Pade", will perform. 750 students from Samyukta Pre-University College, Pillanna Garden, will also present a performance on the freedom struggle.

According to M. Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), the Vande Mataram anthem will be played before the National Anthem. The 37 participating contingents include the Karnataka State Reserve Police, Central Reserve Police Force, City Armed Reserve, Goa Police, Karnataka State Industrial Security Force, traffic wardens, women police personnel, Home Guards, and the Karnataka State Fire and Emergency Services, along with canine and band squads.

Security and logistical arrangements are extensive. Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh stated that 1,100 police personnel have been deployed for security. The force includes nine Deputy Commissioners of Police, 17 Assistant Commissioners of Police, 49 inspectors, and other ranks. Traffic management involves a separate deployment of three DCPs, six ACPs, and hundreds of other police personnel. The parade ground will be monitored by 110 CCTV cameras, and screening will be conducted using seven KSRP/CAR platoons, four fire tenders, three ambulances, and other specialized units including a Quick Reaction Team and a D-SWAT unit. Further security measures include 100 additional CCTV cameras, four baggage scanners, and metal detectors.

Key Facts

• The 80th Independence Day will be celebrated on Saturday at the Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru.
• Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will hoist the flag at 9 a.m. and address the gathering.
• The ceremonial parade will involve 1,360 members from 37 police force contingents.
• Performances will include 800 children, 600 college students, and 170 women constables from Bidar and Bengaluru.
• Over 1,100 police personnel are deployed for security, with additional resources for traffic management and ground screening.