Around 700 students took part in ‘Tiranga Rally’ carrying a 150-foot Tricolour march in Hubballi on Wednesday as part of Independence Day celebrations seeking to promote patriotism, national unity and awareness about the freedom struggle.

The 16th edition of the annual march was organised by Chinmaya Pre-University and Degree College, Hum Bharati Foundation and the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Nakshatra Technology. It was flagged off from the Chinmaya College campus by Swami Kritatmananda, Acharya of Chinmaya Mission, Hubballi, at 11 a.m.

The students, carrying the 150-foot-long national flag, marched from the college through Ramesh Bhavan, Keshwapur and Suryodaya Circle to the main entrance of the Hubballi railway station. A team of traditional percussion artists accompanied the procession.

The programme concluded at the railway station with the display of a 21 ft × 14 ft national flag and the singing of the national anthem.

Hum Bharati Foundation president Anwar Mulla said the march was aimed at fostering patriotism, unity and communal harmony and encouraging greater public participation in national festivals. The foundation also sought to promote khadi and village industries, he said.

College principal P. Ramili Naidu said a week-long series of competitions and activities was being organised to educate students about the significance of Independence Day and Republic Day and to remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters.

Chinmaya Group of Educational Institutions chairman C.A. Girish Upadhyaya, trustees Pandurang Naidu and R.N. Murthy, administrative officer Vishwanath Ranade and other office-bearers were present.

Students from Chinmaya Vidyalaya CBSE and Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vivekananda Colony, Bhavaninagar, also participated in the march, walking to patriotic music. NSS volunteers, teachers, non-teaching staff, police personnel, representatives of various organisations and members of the public took part in the event.