Ashoka emblem balloon goes flat on Gujral

A giant inflated Ashoka emblem made of synthetic cloth, one of the highlights at this year's Independence Day celebrations, drew some of the charm away from the ceremony when it collapsed just as Prime Minister I K Gujral reached the ramparts of Red Fort to unfurl the national flag.

The emblem, measuring almost 100 feet in height, was put up by the Ballooning Club of India, officials said. The figure developed a big tear in the middle, just as three helicopters flew overhead and showered petals on the gathering.

The emblem, which was just outside the seating enclosure and facing the ramparts where the dignitaries were seated, had caught everyone's eye. Some people praised it; others hazarded guesses at its exact height.

It's collapse, coinciding with the unfurling of the national flag, created a minor stir and diverted attention from the flag-hoisting. An MP said it was a ''disgrace'' to the original.

During the course of Gujral's speech, it was quietly untied and put to one side.