The year-long nationwide celebration of ‘150th year of first war of independence’ on Wednesday began on a different note, with no political speech and rhetoric. This  despite the presence of Chief Minister and a cultural show at the inaugural ceremony held here on Independence Day.

Unlike in many such events where politicians and ministers steal the show giving a few minutes of opportunity to freedom fighters to share their experience, Wednesday’s event became the stage for freedom fighter, Ho Srinivasaiah, to narrate the freedom struggle.

Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Kannada and Culture Minister H S Mahadeva Prasad, who utilised only about five minutes of the inaugural session, allowed Mr Srinivasaiah to make his speech, which lasted about 20 minutes, without any request in between to cut it short.

A cultural show comprising patriotic songs, folks dance like ‘Veeragase’, ‘Pooja Kunitha’, ‘Somana Kunitha’, ‘Suggi Kunitha’, ‘Goravara Kunitha’, ‘Kani Halage’ and a dance ballet titled ‘Veerabharati’ enthralled the gathering.