Hyderabad Celebrates I-Day With Rallies, Trees, Plans

HYDERABAD: A sea of schoolchildren, a 100-foot-long Tricolour, thousands of native trees and a string of development announcements marked the city’s 80th Independence Day on Saturday, as campuses and public institutions turned celebrations into reminders of civic and national responsibilities.

At Rashtrapati Nilayam, around 1,300 students from 19 schools and organisations took part in a Tiranga Rally. In-charge officer Dr K. Rajani Priya hoisted the National Flag. Students from Dilsukhnagar Public School and Little Flower High School, Temple Alwal, presented cultural programmes, while prizes were given to winners of a quiz held on August 12. Around 400 participants from Sanskar Bharathi later recited the full Vande Mataram.

At IIT Hyderabad, more than 10,000 native trees were planted, taking the total on the campus to one lakh. Between 2024 and 2026, over 64,000 saplings covering 75 native Deccan species have been planted. A 100-foot National Flag was installed at the main gate. The institute released ‘Birds of IITH’, featuring more than 100 bird illustrations, showcased student prototypes through its BHARATI and BUILD projects, and held a blood donation camp.

At Osmania University, Vice Chancellor Prof. Kumar Molugaram announced a ₹1,000-crore campus development plan, a ₹2-crore gender budget and a ₹10-crore research seed grant. A ₹5,000 monthly Chief Minister’s Fellowship was also launched for research scholars who have not qualified for the National Eligibility Test (NET). More than 3,000 people attended, with NCC and NSS cadets from nearly 17 colleges taking part in the parade. Prof. Molugaram also recalled OU’s role in the Vande Mataram and Quit India movements.

At HMDA, metropolitan commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmad spoke about Telangana’s Vision 2047. He highlighted planned urban development, infrastructure and sustainable growth, while commendation certificates were given to selected officers and staff. HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath called for protecting lakes, nalas and parks, controlling encroachments and coordinating with departments. He stressed restoring interconnected lakes to reduce flooding and build an environment-friendly city.

At Nampally court, sessions judge and District Legal Services Authority chairperson K. Sai Rama Devi hoisted the Flag. A legal awareness programme focused on free legal aid, Lok Adalats, mediation and pre-litigation services.

At the University of Hyderabad, Vice Chancellor Prof. J. Anuradha said freedom should enable critical thinking, innovation and the use of education for nation-building. She spoke of high-impact research, global academic mobility and translating scientific work into societal progress. Campus school students presented patriotic songs and dances, while Prof. V. Krishna, the senior-most professor, hoisted the flag at the Golden Threshold campus.

At JNTUH, Vice Chancellor Dr T. Kishen Kumar Reddy paid floral tributes to B.R. Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru before hoisting the Flag. The full Vande Mataram was played to mark its 150th anniversary. At Veeranari Chakali Ilamma Women’s University, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Surya Dhananjay said questioning minds could lead to new discoveries, as NCC and NSS students took part in the parade and cultural programmes.

EFLU Vice Chancellor Prof. N. Nagaraju spoke about democratic values, inclusivity and skill development, while MANUU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan highlighted Urdu’s connection with the freedom struggle. NITHM director Prof. V. Venkata Ramana hoisted the flag and called for collective efforts towards academic excellence and innovation.

At GHMC headquarters, commissioner R.V. Karnan urged responsible public service and called on Hyderabadis to contribute to a cleaner, safer and sustainable city. At the Telangana Waqf Board, chairman Syed Azmatullah Husseni and CEO Mohammed Asadullah spoke about inclusive development, communal harmony and minority welfare. At the Telangana Board of Intermediate Education headquarters, secretary Abhilasha Abhinav hoisted the flag and urged employees to work with diligence and honesty. At the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation, the commissioner honoured 16 sanitation workers with commendation certificates. At Nehru Zoological Park, curator J. Vasantha, IFS, gave Forest Benevolent Fund cheques of ₹50,000 each to the families of three deceased employees.

South Central Railway general manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava paid tribute to freedom fighters, urging the workforce to remain committed to the country’s progress. Telangana State Road Transport Corporation managing director Nagi Reddy spoke about the importance and sacrifices of the armed forces.