<span style="color: #222222;">The national festival of Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour in Karnataka today. The sacrifices of our great leaders and freedom fighters who happily sacrificed their lives for the nation were remembered today. <br />''<br />''In his republic day address, Governor Vajubhai Vala asked citizens to value the democracy which we have gained after a long freedom struggle. He asked everyone to contribute their bit for the development of the nation and spread peace, love, and harmony. He informed that Karnataka stands first among the major states in increasing its forest cover last year.<br />''<br />''AIR correspondent reports that  71st Republic Day parade at Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru spread the message of Swach Bharat as the municipal corporation workers participated for the first time in the march past holding placards to keep the city clean and green. Around two thousand children staged cultural programmes depicting the great history and heritage of our country. <br />''<br />''The 20 member Tornadoes from the army service corps performed acrobatics on their motorcycles. The intoxicating mix of patriotic songs, the high flying national flag, children attired in the national flag colours and marching contingents infused patriotic fervour during the celebration.</span><br />