I-Day celebrations: E-pass ensures hassle-free entry

Independence Day celebrations at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground on Friday featured a grand parade, cultural programmes and a successful implementation of an e-pass system to attendees for the very first time. 

The event commenced with a flag hoisting ceremony and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s address, followed by a march-past by 35 platoons from various forces and a series of cultural performances. 

Highlights included “Naada Geethe and Raitha Geethe” by Rajesh, Nirmala D A and team, and “Swaatantrya Sangramada Veera Kannadatiyaru” by 694 children from BBMP Composite College, Herohalli.

There was also a performance on the “Five Guarantee Schemes” by 450 children from PU College, Seshadripuram. The cultural showcase concluded with a performance by 253 officers and staff of the Karnataka Police Band. 

A key feature of this year’s event was the use of an e-pass system for entry. 

Mohammed Irfan, a local resident, described the process “hassle-free,” noting that the entry was granted after a simple QR code scan and identity verification via DigiLocker. 

“I just checked in by the gate through the e-pass PDF, which I received after a successful booking. The police verified my identity through DigiLocker, and I was in,” he said. 

Vinay S said it was his first time witnessing the celebrations live. “I used to watch it on television, but seeing it for real was a different experience. It was really patriotic, and I got goosebumps. 

Niranjan S Nayak suggested that authorities should have announced the deadline extension earlier.

“I managed to get the pass, but many of my friends didn’t due to the short notice,” he said.