Information and Public Relations Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy has appealed to people to strive towards fulfilling the dreams of the freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for India’s independence.

Addressing the gathering at the 79th Independence Day celebrations held at the police parade grounds here on Friday, the Minister, along with MLA Badeti Chanti, Zilla Parishad Chairperson Ganta Padma Sri, Eluru District Collector K. Vetri Selvi, Range IGP G.V.G. Ashok Kumar, Superintendent of Police K. Pratap Shiva Kishore, and Joint Collector Dhatri Reddy, recalled the sacrifices of the nation’s heroes and urged the youth to draw inspiration from them.

Highlighting various welfare and development initiatives, Mr. Parthasarathy said the government was committed to empowering the poor, women, and students. “It is our duty to develop the nation in all spheres, just as our freedom fighters envisioned,” he said.

On the occasion, the Minister launched the ‘Stree Shakti Scheme’, enabling free bus travel for women in Eluru. Accompanied by the Collector and other officials, he travelled in a bus and interacted with women passengers to understand their experiences.

IGP Ashok Kumar distributed sweets to staff and urged police personnel to work with dedication and ensure justice for the needy. The SP participated in Independence Day celebrations at Suresh Chandra Bahuguna English Medium School, motivating students to work hard to achieve their dreams. He also assured the development of school infrastructure, including the provision of computers for the laboratory.

Cultural performances by students won the appreciation of the police officers present. Later, the Minister, Collector, IGP, and SP presented meritorious certificates to 54 personnel for their exemplary service.