Patriotic celebrations marked the 80th Independence Day in South Coastal Andhra - The HinduUpdated - August 16, 2026 10:07 am IST - NelloreDuring the Independence Day celebrations at the police parade grounds in Ongole on August 15, 2026, Social Welfare Minister Dola Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy, along with the MP, MLAs and Collector, viewed the display of the world-famous Ongole breed bulls, learnt about their characteristics and posed for photographs with them. | Photo Credit: KOMMURI SRINIVASThe 80th Indian Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and great grandeur across South Coastal Andhra Pradesh districts on Saturday morning.State Minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development Dr. Ponguru Narayana hoisted the National Flag at Police Parade Grounds in Nellore. Accompanied by Nellore District Collector Himanshu Shukla and SP Dr. Ajitha Vejendla, he received the guard of honour from the police. On this occasion, he delivered his message and presented the district’s progress report to the public.Mr. Narayana and Collector handed over egg carts to women to facilitate self-employment. Six beneficiaries from self-help groups received units worth ₹50,000 on subsidy. Additionally, a fish container worth ₹13 lakh was handed over to a beneficiary. Under the PM-AJAY scheme, auto-rickshaws worth ₹3 lakh were provided to five beneficiaries.In OngoleSocial Welfare Minister Dr. Dola Sree Bala Veeranjaneya Swamy participated in the Independence Day celebrations at Police Parade Grounds in Ongole and hoisted the National Flag.Accompanied by Prakasam District Collector P. Raja Babu and SP V. Harshavardhan Raju, he inspected the parade in a special vehicle and received the guard of honour from the police.Addressing the gathering, the Minister called upon everyone to participate in achieving the goals of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Swarnandhra - 2047’, drawing inspiration from the freedom struggle. Later, Mr. Raja Babu visited Alluru village and met with victims of bonded labour. He enquired about their grievances and challenges.He assured that the government would stand by them and provide the necessary assistance and support. He mentioned that measures would be taken to facilitate their children’s schooling and to arrange for Aadhaar cards, ration cards, and bank accounts.First I-Day celebrations at MarkapuramAfter formation of Markapuram, Independence Day was celebrated for the first time in the district at SVKP College grounds in Markapuram town, fostering a spirit of patriotism throughout the community. District Collector M. Vijaya Sunitha attended the event as the chief guest and hoisted the national flag. Subsequently, she received the guard of honour from the police forces.Published - August 15, 2026 09:41 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }