Patriotic fervour swept through schools and colleges across Andhra Pradesh as the nation celebrated its 79th Independence Day on Friday.

At VIT-AP University, nine unsung heroes from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC), and AP State Disaster Response and Fire Services Department were felicitated for their exemplary service.

“Independence Day is not just a commemoration of freedom; it’s a tribute to the courage of countless unsung heroes who built this nation,” said R. L. Narayana, Corporate Vice-President and Location Head (Vizag and Hyderabad) of WNS Global Services Pvt. Ltd., who was the chief guest.

The honourees included NDRF head constables N. Gopala Krishna and K. Lokesachari; APSRTC drivers (late) Sk. M. Rasool, (late) Bhaskar, and Muneiah Kanchani; APSRTC conductor M. Venkata Ramana; fireman P. Hema Srikanth Reddy; Station Fire Officer Y. Venkateswarlu; and Assistant District Fire Officer Anjaneyulu Jakkampudi. Each received a memento and ₹25,000 in cash.

The event was attended by VIT-AP Vice-Chancellor S. V. Kota Reddy, Registrar M. Jagadish Chandra, and Deputy Director of Student Welfare Sk. Khadeer Pasha, among others.

At SRM University–AP, Vice-Chancellor Manok K. Arora unfurled the tricolour and called on students to work towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, stressing economic, social, and environmental sustainability.

Sports champions were also honoured. Kunja Ranjita (B.Com. first year), who clinched gold in the women’s 4×400m relay at the 26th Asian Athletics Championship, received ₹5 lakh. Budde Shanmukhi Naga Sai (B.Com. first year), who broke two world records and bagged three silver medals in Compound Archery at the Singapore 2025 Asia Cup (Leg 2), was presented with ₹10 lakh. Non-teaching staff completing five years of service were also recognised.

At Delhi Public School, Vijayawada, the campus resonated with both patriotic and devotional spirit as Independence Day coincided with Janmashtami. The celebrations featured a blend of cultural performances and devotional activities. Directors Parimi Pavan Chand, Swetha Bindu, and Kadiyala Praveen Kumar; Academic Director David Raj; Principal M. S. Bhuvaneswaran; and Vice-Principal Sanjay Bhatia joined in the flag-hoisting ceremony.