The 68th Republic Day was celebrated across Uttarakhand with enthusiasm on Thursday despite the weather remaining inclement.
The principal function in Dehradun was held at Parade Ground in the morning where Governor Krishan Kant Paul unfurled the national tri-colour and took the ceremonial salute of the parade staged by the contingents of the army, ITBP, SSB, Home Guards, PRD and NCC. Cultural programmes followed with the folk dancers presenting a unique performance on the occasion. Besides, the police band played tunes of patriotic songs. Earlier in the morning on Thursday, Uttarakhand Governor Paul hoisted the national flag at Raj Bhawan.
Two police officers- Uttam Singh Jimiwal, in-charge inspector, Kotdwar police station in Pauri district and Chandrabhan Singh Adhikari, in-charge inspector, police station Gagnahar in Haridwar district- were awarded with the Governor’s Commendable Service Medals. This aside, Jagdish Chandra Pathak, DSP, Udham Singh Nagar; Mahesh Chandra Chandola inspector (M), PTC, Narendranagar; Prem Singh Mehta sub-inspector vigilance headquarters and Kheem Singh Rana, PC (special category) from 46th Battalion were awarded with Governor’s Excellent Service Award for their distinguished services at Parade Ground.
After the flag hoisting ceremony was over, the Governor planted turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon and cloves in the Raj Bhawan complex.
Meanwhile, district administration had made elaborate security arrangements in view of Republic Day which went off peacefully in the State.
Police had also drafted traffic plan around Parade Ground area.
While greeting the people on the occasion of the national day, Governor appealed to the people to exercise their franchise in the Assembly elections slated on February 15. Besides, he reminded the people of their responsibility towards the nation.
Demanding rights was not enough, he stressed. He also remembered the sacrifice of the innumerable freedom fighters who gave away everything at the altar of the future of the nation. He also paid his respect to the architects of the Constitution of India.