1 2 Pune: Residents of various housing societies in the city are gearing up to mark the Independence Day celebrations on Thursday morning with aplomb and fanfare. The day is set to commence with flag hoisting ceremony, followed by events such as singing of patriotic songs and speeches by residents. Devesh Jain, a member of the management committee of Naren Hills Housing Society in Wanowrie, said, “This year, one of our guards, who has been working in the society for 15 years, will be the chief guest.
We have prepared a video as a tribute to his service that will be played after the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day. He has now become a security supervisor in our society. Some residents will read out patriotic poems and give speeches.
” Waste pickers working with SWaCH will participate in flag hoisting ceremonies organised by various schools, colleges, and NGOs across the city. Vidya Naiknavare, a SWaCH board member, said, “We are trying to establish our identity and change the societal perception of us and our work. Over the last 20 years, women have been gaining freedom every day from the mentality that marginalised, overlooked, or subjected us to humiliation.
Once denied entry into housing societies, we are now integral to the city’s daily life.” In an initiative by Anandvan Foundation, an NGO creating urban forest in the city, several citizens will participate in a mega plantation drive from 9.30 am to 12 noon on the stretch opposite Clover Hills Plaza on.