On the occasion of the 65th Republic Day, Uttarakhand Governor Dr Aziz Qureshi hoisted the Tricolour at 10.30 am at Parade Ground in Dehradun on Sunday. He took the salute of the Republic Day march-past presented by the contingents of Police, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Home Guards, PAC jawans and NCC cadets on the occasion.
Government departments exhibited colourful tableaux. Qureshi also awarded the Governor’s exemplary service medal to three police officers. Freedom fighters, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli, Sports Minister Dinesh Aggarwal, top bureaucrats and police officers along with members of the public were present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, amid unfurling of the tricolour and colourful parades, the Republic Day was celebrated across the State peacefully. Politicians, Government officers and other private institutions' heads hoisted national flags with patriotic fervour at around 9.30 am across the State.
Security arrangements were made in and around Parade Ground area, the venue of main Republic Day function in the State capital and across the State for ensuring peaceful celebrations.
Earlier, the Republic Day was celebrated at Raj Bhawan where Dr Qureshi hoisted the national flag at 8.30 am. He paid rich tributes to the war heroes, martyrs and others for sacrificing their lives for the caused of nation. He also urged the people to come forward for maintain the unity and integrity of the nation.
After unfurling the national flag at Parade Ground, he awarded three police officers - Rajendra Singh, DSP, Udham Singh Nagar; Umesh Chandra Joshi, Assistant Radio officer Police Head Quarter; Kriti Ballabh, sub-inspector, vigilance directorate Dehradun with the Governor's exemplary service medal. Dr Qureshi greeted the people of the state and said, “We should live in peace and brotherhood and work for the development of the State.”
While interacting with media persons, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bahuguna also greeted the people and said that the State Government is committed to take all possible steps for the welfare of the people.
Thousands of people started reaching the Parade Ground since Sunday morning to witness Republic Day parade and Government departments' colourful tableaux. Governor Qureshi reached the parade ground at around10.26 am and unfurled the tri-colour at 10.30 am. Apart from this, various departments including horticulture, education, health, rural development, agriculture, tourism and forest of the State Government displayed their tableaux. Tableaux of different departments highlighted the development and welfare schemes in the State.
The tableau by Education department secured 54 points and was declared the winner followed by health department tableau with 46 points whereas department of rural development and horticulture secured third position with 45 points each.
Moreover, Uttarakhand Director General Police BS Sidhu unfurled the tricolour at Police Head Quarter and read the names of police personnel shortlisted for Governor's police award for gallantry and meritorious service in different categories. Sidhu appealed the police officers and personnel to work with dedication. Dehradun District Magistrate BVRC Purushottam hoisted the tricolour in the Ccollectorate premises and appealed the department officials to work with honesty and maintain transparency while executing their works.