PONDA: PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar presided over the Independence Day celebration at Kranti Maidan in Ponda, by unfurling the national flag and inspecting the guard of honour.

On the occasion, the minister appealed to the people to preserve brotherhood and unity among all communities; he also urged the people to cooperate with the State and Central governments for undertaking developmental works.

Later, he paid floral tributes at Martyrs Memorial who laid down their lives for Independence.

Others present on the occasion were South Goa MP Adv Narendra Sawaikar, Ponda MLA Ravi Naik, Deputy Collector Vishal Kundaikar, Mamlatdar Abeer Hede, Satnam Singh who is Official of 6 TTR Military Camp at Ponda, PMC Chairperson Pradeep Naik and others.