Mysore: A grand procession, with many folk teams taking part, marked the observance of ‘Mysore Chalo Day’ organised by the District Administration at Freedom fighters park, Mysore.

Revenue and District in-Charge Minister V. Sreenivasa Prasad flagged off the rally at Subbarayanakere Ground, opp. Shanthala Theatre.

The procession passed through Chamaraja Double Road (100 ft. road), Ramaswamy Circle (where tributes were offered to Ramaswamy Stupa), Chamaraja Double Road, Sanskrit Pathashala Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road, D. Devaraja Urs Road and Narayana Shastri Road, before returning to the starting point of Subbarayanakere Ground.

Minister Sreenivasa Prasad, who spoke after unfurling the flag and offering floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s bust at the ground, referred to the history of ‘Mysore Chalo Movement’ and said that the Movement was aimed at installing a democratic and responsible government in the Princely State of Mysore, with the then ruler announcing this decision to hand over the reins to a democratically elected government and thereby accede to the Indian Union on Oct. 24, 1947.

Pointing out that the freedom fighters memorial at the ground was a symbol of freedom struggle and a nerve centre of activities for freedom fighters, Sreenivasa Prasad said that the government will observe ‘Mysore Chalo Day’ on Oct. 24 every year with all government offices and schools asked to observe the Day by hoisting the Tri-colour.

Veteran Freedom Fighter H.S. Doreswamy, in his address, expressed anger over increased incidents of land grabbing and urged the government to act sternly against those indulged in land grabbing.

A total of 67 freedom fighters from across the State were felicitated on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the Movement.

Chamaraja MLA Vasu presided.

Mysore City and District Freedom Fighters Association President D.S.Jagadish, freedom fighters Devamma and M.R. Mathad, Mayor R. Lingappa, ZP President Dr. Pushapa Amarnath, Vice-President L. Madappa and others were present.