Kerala on Friday joined the nation in celebrating the 69th Republic Day with programmes reflecting patriotism and national fervor organised at State capital Thiruvananthapuram, district and taluk headquarters, bases of various forces, educational institutions, etc.
Governor Justice (Retired) P Sathasivam who unfurled the Tricolour at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram to lead the State’s celebrations of the special day expressed concern over some of the youths falling prey to political and communal feuds and also joining terror organisations.
“We are at times disturbed by the tendency of some of our youths falling prey to political and communal feuds. More disturbing is the alleged participation of some people in terror outfits both in India and in other countries. We have to be on guard against such actions which lower the image of our beloved State,” Sathasivam said.
Pointing out that political and communal hatred and terror had no place in a democratic society, the Governor said it was true that the strong institutions of democracy that the Constitution had given to all Indians would step in with safeguards in any crisis. “But we the people must always be on our guard against the slightest action that threatens our harmony,” he said.
Sathasivam praised the achievements of the State and the country in the past few decades and said that it was also necessary to think of the “areas where we need to improve”. He said the progress of the nation had always received priority and support in the political and social debates despite dissent and differences that were characteristic of democracy.
The Governor, who lauded the efforts being made by the State’s CPI(M)-led lDF Government headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan by focusing on key areas, congratulated the various forces of the country and the State for the rescue operations they had conducted in the Arabian Sea in the aftermath of Cyclone Ockhi that had hit the Kerala Tamil Nadu coasts. Ministers in the Pinarayi Cabinet led the Republic Day celebrations at the 13 other district headquarters where the State’s police and other forces held parades. The day was celebrated with the traditional gaiety and patriotic fervor at Government offices, educational institutions, etc.
The Republic Day was celebrated at the Kochi Naval Base, headquarters of the Southern Naval Command, with a ceremonial parade comprising 24 platoons including six armed platoons. The parade was reviewed by Vice-Admiral AR Karve, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.
Commandant Vice-Admiral SV Bhokare reviewed a ceremonial parade held at the Indian Naval Academy at Ezhimala. A ceremonial guard comprising 581 cadets along with 28 platoons participated in the parade.