Mysuru, Aug. 16 -- The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at the Torchlight Parade Grounds, Bannimantap yesterday. Minister for Urban Development and District In-charge Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah hoisted the Tricolour in the presence of various district officers.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Yathindra said that the country, which was backward at the time of Independence, is progressing with overall development based on the ethos of the Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Gradually, the country evolved stronger through several welfare schemes, including the five-year plans, championed by the far-sighted vision of great administrators like former Prime Ministers late Jawaharlal Nehru and Lal Bahadur Shastr...