Shoddy buildings exacerbate damage of Gujarat earthquake.
The country was celebrating Republic Day, the 51st anniversary of the day that the Indian nation had declared itself to be a sovereign Republic. Over 400 schoolchildren and some 50 teachers were marching towards the Town Hall where a senior government official would hoist the tricolor, India's national flag, and address the children. It was 8.46 am. The children and teachers were going through the main bazaar, or market. The road was narrow, with two-storied buildings on either side, from the balconies and doorways of which people waved and shouted greetings to the children.