‘Give up political blindness and hatred’: CM Satheesan hoists national flag, Vande Mataram not sung

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister VD Satheesan called for people to give up political blindness and hatred and move forward together as he hoisted the national flag at the Central Stadium here as part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations on Saturday.

The ceremony was held to the accompaniment of the national anthem, followed by a floral shower from an Indian Air Force helicopter.
Satheesan received the ceremonial salute from contingents of various armed forces, mounted police, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Scouts and Guides, and the Student Police Cadet programme.

Addressing the gathering, Satheesan said a scientific system would be introduced to strengthen the state’s mechanisms to deal with floods. He began his address by paying tribute to those who had lost their lives.
The Chief Minister said welfare activities were not acts of charity but rights. Democracy, he said, was not about creating islands of hatred by trying to cultivate people who followed the same language, faith and lifestyle.

Satheesan said the younger generation should be given opportunities to stand on their own feet with pride. He also said the menace of drugs must be driven away and added that these were among the government’s priorities.

Independence Day celebrations are being held in all 14 districts of the state, with ministers attending programmes at district headquarters.
Vande Mataram was not sung at government programmes or schools as part of the Independence Day celebrations.