The 67th Republic Day celebrations in the State passed off peacefully on Tuesday. Uttarakhand Governor KK Paul hoisted the Tricolour at 10.30 am at Parade Ground in Dehradun to mark the beginning of the celebrations. He took the salute of the Republic Day march-past presented by the contingents of the Army, ITBP, CISF, civil police, PAC, Home Guard, PRD, NCC, NSS, ex-servicemen, Escort-guide and others.
Attractive tableaux taken out by various departments of the Government were also exhibited and folk artistes performed dance and music, which enthralled the gathering.
The Governor honoured two police officers -Chakradhar Anthwal, DSP, posted at Rishikesh and Pankaj Gairola, inspector at Doiwala with Governor’s Commendable Service Medals. Sub-inspectors- Tusar Bora Rajat Kasan, Vijay Prakash and Hemant Khanduri were awarded with Governor’s Commendable Service Awards for their distinguished services by the Governor on the occasion.
A total of eight tableaux were exhibited and department of Udyog that scored maximum points was declared the first followed by Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA) while department of rural development secured third position. The Police Band at the event played patriotic songs.
The contingents of
various police forces took part in march-past and the Army was declared first followed by SSB while Uttarakhand police (men) secured the third position.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat, Dehradun Mayor Vinod Chamoli, DGP BS Sidhu, DM Ravinath Rama, SSP Dr Shankar Rao Dahte aside from the freedom fighters, a host of peoples representatives and some eminent guests were present on the occasion. A large number of people witnessed the programme too.
Meanwhile, Republic Day was celebrated across the State enthusiastically. Politicians, government officers and heads of private institutions hoisted the national flag in the morning to mark the occasion.
Tight security arrangements were made in and around Parade Ground area, the venue of main function, and across the State too to ensure peaceful celebrations of the day. While interacting with media persons, Uttarakhand CM Harish Rawat greeted the people and reiterated his government’s resolve to take all possible steps for the welfare of the people.
Thousands of Doon residents and those from other parts of the State started reaching Parade Ground since the morning on Tuesday to witness Republic Day parade and the colourful tableaux taken out by different government departments like horticulture, education, health, rural development, agriculture, tourism and forest. They highlighted development and the welfare schemes being implemented across the State for the welfare of the people.