Republic Day fete: A day to remember

Hyderabad: It was a Republic Day that the 2,000 plus students of Delhi Public School will remember for a long time to come.

Kindling the love for heritage and acknowledging the sacrifices made by the constitutional makers and freedom fighters, the students, along with a star-studded assemblage of politicians, film stars and sports persons went on a 5K heritage walk from the historic Charminar to Falaknuma Palace on Thursday.

Organised by HMTV and The Hans India, in association with the Delhi Public School, Nadergul and Radio partner 91.1 FM Radio City, the heritage walk started at 8 am in the morning as hundreds of schoolchildren walked through the bylanes of the old city chanting Vande Mataram and East or West India is the Best.

Rekha, a student of Delhi Public School said she would never forget the experience as it was her dream to be at Charminar during early morning hours.

“I enjoyed every bit of the walk. The Charminar, Unani Hospital, Mecca Masjid and several old structures give the place such an old world charm.”

Mid way, three other schools in and around Charminar joined the students of three Delhi Public School students in the heritage walk. Irfan, a student of the Progress High School, Shalibanda said, “We are happy to be a part of the walk and connect with so many people.”

Earlier, Mohammed Baba Fasiuddin, Deputy Mayor, while addressing the students, recalled the historic importance of Hyderabad and said it was the duty of the present generation to protect the heritage of the city.

Teegala Krishna Reddy, MLA, Maheshwaram, said Hyderabad was Charminar and Charminar Hyderabad, the two were inseparable. He exhorted the students to become responsible citizens and care for the heritage of Hyderabad.

Inayat Ali Baqri, TRS in-charge, Charminar said, “We are Indians first and then a Muslim, a Christian, a Hindu and a Sikh. It was a momentous occasion to start the heritage walk from Charminar as it was here that great kings of Qutub Shahi and Asaf Jahi period once stood.”

HMTV and The Hans India editor Prof K Nageshwar said the reason for organising the walk was to instill patriotism and kindle the consciousness of heritage. No one can prosper without imbibing values in youth, he said.

Students, parents, teachers and onlookers also took selfies with actor Nikhil, former India Hockey team captain Mukesh and D Harika, chess champion.