IMPHAL August 16: 10 Assam Rifles under Logtak Brigade of Red Shield Division celebrated the 64th Independence Day at Longmai area bringing together around 600 villagers of Longmei area including 350 children yesterday. The celebrations begun with the hoisting of national flag by colonel Ajay Sharma, commandant 10 Assam Rifles followed by the National Anthem. Following the flag hoisting was a pipe band display in which the people of Longmai witnessed for the very first time..
The commandant addressed the area on the eve of Independence and stressed on the importance of encouraging children towards education and hence towards development in the area. Mr Ading Golmei, the secretary of Village Council, Nonei also attended the function. The main focus of the celebrations was to encourage the children of this town by giving them an opportunity to showcase their talent in the form of a drawing and painting competition. The theme of the competition was “Independence”.Cash awards of Rs 3000, Rs 2000 and Rs 1000 for the first three paintings were won by Nelson of Children Training School Nonei, Kasaina of Pungirong English School of Tupul and Jeangongrei of Sheron English High School Nonei respectively.
There was a number of dance and songs performed by students of the eight schools that participated in the event. A memento was given to the schools for participation and gift hampers to the participating children, a press release said.