Human chain binds city

Earlier, when people – children, men, women, old – started pouring onto the streets in Matunga, Sion and Chembur holding hands, it seemed the chain would never stop. The networking began at the SIES High school at King’s Circle, after a formal inauguration by two ex-SIES students of 1932 batch – Dr K Shankar and R Balakrishnan. A `Swarn Jyoti’ torch was lit and carried by 100 students in a relay followed by cheer-leaders on bikes and cycles.

Among other highlights of this colourful event were two beautiful floats.

One reviewing 50 years of Indian Independence, and the other reminiscing over the 65 years of SIES.

While enthusiastic school students dressed in their uniforms brought their families along, their collegian counterparts were equally excited. Many students wore traditional outfits depicting their regional backgrounds.

A visibly excited Jaya, a product of SIES, told Express Newsline how privileged she was to be part of the “historic” event. Mother of a SIES college student, she said: “I told myself, come what may I am going there leaving all my Sunday chores. This is one event I will not miss…my batchmates are also there.”

While there were some gaps visible in the chain, the spirit was unbroken. The breaches were quickly reinforced with truck-loads of students. Organisers said a large number of participants had congregated at Matunga instead of spreading across the 25.5 km stretch.