Chennai:
Students from Chennai's Surana School are celebrating the 68th Independence Day in a big way, literally. They have made a mammoth 200-metre national flag, which made heads turn this morning as they carried it in a triumphal procession through the city's Sowcarpet area.
The Tricolor took almost four days to put together, and everyone got to help - even primary student Master Prakit. "We enjoyed the activity. I helped hold the poles that supported the flag," he said proudly.
Ms Ankita P Doshi, a student of Class XII, said, "The flag is an inspiration to us, giving the message of sacrifice, peace and prosperity. The 68th Independence Day is also an occasion to be free of many of the evils we are fighting. That's why we came up with this big idea."
Messages against the said "evils" -- violence, corruption, crime against women and terrorism - were highlighted through posters and placards, which the students carried as well.
Though the rally caused a little inconvenience to commuters, not many complained. IT professional Ms K Sindhu said, "It is good to see youngsters celebrate the national flag".
The school couldn't agree more. School secretary Anand Surana said, "Small steps like this can help develop patriotism in every child.