Unfurling of National flag, marchpast and cultural functions marked the Republic Day celebrations in the States.
In Odisha, Governor M.C. Bhandare unfurled the national flag at Bhubaneswar and took salute of the combined parade. A total of 68 teams from state police, CRPF, NCC, defence establishments, scouts and guides, Red Cross including various folk dance groups participated in the colourful ceremony. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, unfurled the tri-colour at the historic Barabati stadium at Cuttack. In his address Mr. Patnaik, called upon the people of the States to work for realizing the dream of Mahatma Gandhi.
Political parties like Biju Janata Dal, Congress, BJP and others also celebrated the Republic Day with much enthusiasm at their headquarters at Bhubaneswar. AIR correspondent reports, elaborate security arrangements have been made in the Maoist-affected districts of Odisha as the Maoists have called for boycotting of the Republic Day.
In Meghalaya, Governor Ranjeet Shekhar Mooshahari led the state level celebration at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in Shillong where he unfurled the national flag and received the guard of honour. AIR correspondent reports, there were many tableaux depicting ‘Border Haat’ at Kalaichar on Indo-Bangla border, which was inaugurated in July last year.
Addressing the gathering at the state level republic day function in Bhopal Governor Ramnaresh Yadav said that the Madhya Pradesh government is dealing with several challenges including malnutrition with sheer determination.
Praising the state government for its ‘Save the girl child’ campaign, he said that without changing the mindset of the people this target could not be achieved. Twenty one contingents of police, security forces, NCC and Scouts and guides took part in the parade.
Different cultural programmes including Bhagoria and Gangaur folk dances were also performed on this occasion. Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan unfurled the national flag in Jabalpur. A cultural programme named Bharat Parv will also be organized in all the 50 districts of the state this evening.
In Puducherry, Lt Governor Iqbal Singh unfurled the national flag and inspected the guard of honour presented by the Armed police at the Uppalam Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. Mr Iqbal Singh also reviewed march past by the different wings of the police, contingents of NCC, ex-servicemen and school students. Tableaux depicting the achievements of various departments of the territorial administration were part of the parade.
AIR correspondent reports, the Lt Governor also distributed awards to meritorious police officers and representatives of various schools which excelled in the SSLC and Higher Secondary examinations.
In Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy unfurled the national flag and took salute at the 63rd republic day celebrations held in Thiruvananthapuram. In his speech the chief minister pointed out that India is emerging as a front line economic and political power in the world. He highlighted the pro-poor development initiatives of the UPA government in the Centre and UDF government in Kerala.
Since Kerala Governor has proceeded on leave, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy led the state in celebrating the 63rd republic day. Participating in the colourful parade units of armed forces, state police, fire and rescue team, scouts and guides, NCC and students police cadet marched rhythmically to the tune of bands and beugles evoking patriotic fervour. Ministers took salute in the republic day parades held in different districts of Kerala.
The 63rd Republic Day of the country is also celebrated in Manipur amidst tight security in view of the boycott of the R-day celebrations by underground organizations. State Governor Shri Gurbachan Jagat unfurled the national flag at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal and he took salute of the march-past contingents.
Altogether 73 march-past contingents including cultural troupes participated at the Republic Day Parade today at Imphal. Leaving aside all political engagements including election campaign, leaders of various political parties also attended the celebration.
The Governor today also awarded 23 police medals for gallantry service. He also gave away two President’s Police Medals for distinguish service and four Police Medals for meritorious service to policemen who showed tremendous courage while performing their duties.
