India, Aug. 16 -- Gautam Budh Nagar celebrated the 80th Independence Day with district-wide ceremonies, where the administration emphasised civic responsibility and public service. The administration also honoured personnel for distinguished service and families of five policemen who died in the line of duty.

District magistrate Medha Roopam unfurled the national flag at the collectorate. Roopam honoured Sandhya Gupta, daughter of the late freedom fighter Shiv Narayan Gupta, and felicitated students from Dharam Public School, Greater Noida, for their cultural performances.

Addressing officials, employees and residents, Roopam said Independence Day should be viewed as more than a ceremonial occasion. "We should celebrate this day not mer...