22 students fall sick during Independence Day celebrations in Odisha 

As many as 22 students fell sick during the Independence Day celebrations at two different places on Thursday. 

In the first incident, the students of an educational institution of Sector 22 in Rourkela participated in the parade. It was about 12 pm when the parade started. In the middle of the parade, 17 students fell ill. They were immediately rushed to a local hospital. Intense heat and sultry weather conditions are said to be the reason behind the students falling sick. Meanwhile, the parents of the students wished to know why the parade was held at noon instead of morning. No reactions could be obtained from the school authorities. 

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The second incident was reported from Anandapur in Keonjhar district. Five girl students fell sick during the sub-divisional level Independence Day celebration held at Anandapur. They were admitted to Anandapur Sub Divisional Hospital. 

While it is suspected that standing for a long time in sweltering heat and humidity was the reason behind the students falling ill, the hospital authorities were yet to say anything about it. No comments were received from the school authorities either.