Historic Judges Field to host Independence Day function after a decade

* Nostalgia prevails, senior citizens regret for low-key celebrations

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The outbreak of COVID-19 has made the historic Judges' Field to host the State's official Independence Day function this year after a gap of 12 years. Even though the development has generated nostalgia among residents living in Guwahati City for decades, they regret for not being able to participate in the Red Letter Day due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The historic ground had been organizing both the Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26) since 1947. In 2008 the Assam Government decided to reserve the Judges' Field exclusively for sporting activities. In 2008 the government organized the Independence Day for the first time at Latasil Playground. Eventually Dispur shifted celebrations of Independence Day and Republic Day to the playground of College of Veterinary Science at Khanapara.

"Since the playground of College of Veterinary Science at Khanapara has been converted into a COVID Care Centre, we have decided to organize the Independence Day function at Judges' Field," an official with the Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration said.

The decision to hold the Independence Day celebration at Judges' Field has created nostalgia among residents who have been living in the city for decades. For 80-year-old Syed Safiqur Alam of Ulubari it was mandatory to go to the Judges' Field early in the morning when the Red Letter Days were used to be celebrated there.

"I had seen many historical figures who later became chief ministers and governors of Assam to unfurl the tricolor at Judges' Field. We used to go to see the celebrations in groups every year till 2008 when the government shifted the venue," Alam said.

Alam is not alone. There are many senior citizens from the city's prime areas such as Pan Bazar, Lakhtokia, Uzan Bazar, Kharghuli, Chandmari and Machkhowa who are nostalgic about holding the Independence Day celebrations at Judges' Field this year. But they regret for not being able to participate in the event due to COVID-19 protocols and restrictions.

The State government has imposed many restrictions while celebrating Independence Day, 2020. For instance, there will not be any participation of school and college students, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Scouts & Guides in the ceremonial march past. Besides to avoid public gathering, restrictions have been also imposed on lunch, high-tea or any similar programme as a part of the celebration or as a separate event.

In view of COVID -19 pandemic, large congregation in the ceremony is to be avoided. Invitation for the celebration shall be limited keeping in mind the health protocols issued in relation to the prevalence of COVID-19. The invitation shall not exceed one-third of the seating capacity of the venue.

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