R-Day celebrations to begin today

 The City is being spruced up for the Republic Day celebrations on Sunday. Apart from events showcasing patriotism, several cultural festivals are being organised across the City on Saturday and Sunday.

IIM-Bangalore will host a cultural extravaganza on the eve of the Republic Day to enthral music lovers. The seventh edition of ‘Yamini 2014’, to be held in association with SPIC MACAY, will have Hinudstani and Carnatic vocal and instrumental concerts.
A performance by violinist Dr L Subramaniam, vocal concert by Hyderabad Brothers and Kaushiki Chakraborty, besides Santoor recital by Tarun Bhattacharya have been lined up for the day. ‘Gotipua’, a traditional dance form of Odisha, will also be performed by Konark Natya Mandap on the occasion. Making it all the more special, the event will begin from 7 pm on the eve of Republic Day and go on till 5 am the next day.

In Koramangala, Atta Galatta will host ‘Anshuman’, a poetry recitation by Sandeep Shikar from 5 30 pm.

‘Colorothon’, a painting fest for participants aged between six and 80, will be organised by Vande Matharam Social and Cultural Trust at Krishna Rao Park in Basavanagudi. The event will be inaugurated by Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. A 5-km rally of over 200 bikers, live music band, art bazar and a magic show will mark the celebrations.

Security

Thirty-two CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations at the Manekshaw Parade Grounds on M G Road — coupled with 123 metal detectors — will ensure that the Republic Day celebrations pass off peacefully, according to Raghavendra Auradkar, Commissioner of Bangalore Police.

In addition, a 2,000-strong police contingent will keep a strict vigil across the City. Of them, 1,200 will be on-site and 800 off-site personnel, he added. Two additional commissioners of police and 11 deputy commissioners of police will monitor the security arrangements. Seven platoons of the Karnataka State Reserve Police would also be deployed, he said. At a few strategic places, 11 KSRP platoons and two commando units will be deployed.

BBMP Commissioner M Lakshminarayana said 55 groups, including 1,800 participants from the police, scouts and guides, and the NCC, would take part in the parade.
A medical response team of 100 on-site and 265 off-site personnel has also been arranged. The on-site staff will include 30 doctors and as many nurses, apart from pharmacists, drivers, among others. About 20 firefighters — with vehicles and the necessary equipment — and 15 ambulances will also be engaged. A total of 100 beds in 15 hospitals, along with 15 pharmacies and blood banks, had also been arranged, the BBMP commissioner said. Besides, 100 doctors and 150 paramedics will be on standby to attend to any emergency.