Alliance University commemorated India’s 80th Independence Day with a ceremony that brought together students, faculty members, staff, University leadership, and invited guests. The celebration went beyond remembrance to reflect on the continuing responsibility of nation-building and the values of discipline, service, unity, and responsible citizenship.

The program began with the unfurling of the National Flag and the National Anthem, setting the tone for the morning. A coordinated march past by contingents from the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Security, National Service Scheme (NSS), and Sports reflected discipline, teamwork, and preparedness. Cultural performances and specialized demonstrations by students and University contingents further added to the spirit of the occasion.

The celebration was graced by Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Shri Murlikant Petkar, India’s first Paralympic gold medalist, as the Chief Guest. The University leadership, including Dr. Priestly Shan Boaz, Vice-Chancellor, Alliance University, and Mrs. Surekha Shetty, Registrar General, Alliance University, was also present on the occasion.

Shri Murlikant Petkar addressed the University community, drawing from a journey shaped by service, resilience, and sporting achievement. From serving the nation as a soldier to creating history on the international sporting stage, his experiences offered students a perspective on perseverance, determination, and the ability to move forward through adversity.

A defining moment of the ceremony was Shri Murlikant Petkar’s presentation of a replica of his first Paralympic gold medal to Alliance University. The gesture carried deep symbolic significance, connecting his journey of resilience, perseverance, and national pride with the values that the University seeks to nurture among its students.

The program also included the felicitation of the Chief Guest and a prize distribution ceremony recognizing NCC cadets for their participation and achievements. Cultural presentations by students, NSS, Kannada Sangha, and the Department of Student Support Services brought together different expressions of India’s cultural identity and collective spirit.

The NCC presented a series of specialized demonstrations, including commando drills, fire drills, martial arts activities, cultural displays, and a bike drill. A Taekwondo presentation further demonstrated physical training, coordination, discipline, and preparedness among the participants.

The commemoration concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the Chief Guest, University leadership, organizers, participating contingents, students, and support teams. The occasion reaffirmed that freedom is not only a legacy inherited from the past, but also a responsibility carried forward by every generation through integrity, service, excellence, and meaningful contribution to the nation.