Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur felicitated over 450 special invitees of the 75th Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path. Addressing the guests in New Delhi yesterday, the Minister said that these invitees had the distinction of being mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Mann Ki Baat program. He said the extension of this invite to them is a display of the different thought processes that buttress the thinking of the government. Lauding the contribution of the special guests towards nation-building, Mr. Thakur said their work has become their identity. The Minister expressed hope that this recognition would encourage these people to improve further in their fields.

Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav who was also present at the felicitation ceremony said that the Prime Minister has acknowledged the contributions of the common people of India in shaping the country. The invitees included Padma Awardees who have made significant contributions in the field of environment, preservation of traditional art forms and culture and upliftment of the lower section of society among others.