More than 4,000 local people, including government officials, public representatives and students of various schools and colleges, participated in a patriotic rally with a 3,600-feet-long tricolour flag in Ongole on Wednesday. The rally was held with an eye on the Guinness World Record for the longest-ever demonstration held of a national flag.

Under the leadership of Vasavi Clubs International president Erukulla Rama Krishna, vice-president Siddha Venkata Surya Prakash Rao and other members, the rally was flagged off by Prakasam Superintendent of Police (SP) A.R. Damodar, Ongole MLA Damacharla Janardhan, Mayor Gangada Sujatha and others at the District Police Parade Ground. It went up to Addanki Bus Stand.

On the occasion, the SP said, “It is a matter of pride for us that our national flag was designed by a Telugu person, Pingali Venkaiah, from our Andhra region. Just by looking at the tricolour flag, patriotism and pride naturally arise within us. Our national flag embodies the philosophy of peace, tolerance and non-violence.”

“Many people die from head injuries while riding two-wheelers without helmets. Wearing a helmet can protect us from accidents, so every two-wheeler rider should wear a helmet,” he added. The helmets are a protective shield for those who ride two-wheelers. By wearing a helmet a person can be safe as well as bring happiness to their family,” he added.