The 69th Republic Day was celebrated enthusiastically across the State on Friday. Governor KK Paul unfurled the tri-colour at 10.30 am at Parade Ground in Dehradun. He also took the salute of the Republic Day march-past presented by the contingents of the Army, ITBP, civil police, Home Guard, NCC, NSS, ex-servicemen and others.
The Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat hoisted the national flag at his residence at 9.30 am and administered a pledge to the officials to work dedicatedly to protect the Constitution. later in the day, CM reached the Nelang Post in Uttarkashi and celebrated the day with the ITBP jawans posted there. Rawat lauded the security personnel for safeguarding the borders of the country under adverse circumstances at a height of 11,614 feet, braving freezing temperatures.
Thousands of people from the city and from other parts of the state thronged the Parade Ground to witness the Republic Day parade. The tableaux taken out by various departments of the state government and the folk artistes performing dance and music were the principal attraction of the celebration. With patriotic songs played in the background by the Police band, Governor unfurled the national flag and felicitated police personnel for their excellent work. He said that the Constitution was enforced on January 26, 1950 which gives the citizens fundamental rights. He also said that the fundamental rights should go hand in hand with the fundamental duties. “It is our responsibility to be aware of our duties while enjoying our rights. This would help the nation to stride ahead on the path of all-round progress,” he said. He sounded happy over Uttarakhand progressing faster than many other states. He also gratefully remembered the martyrs and the freedom fighters that made possible the freedom of the nation. He paid tribute to the architects of the Constitution. Among those present were the chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, chief secretary Utpal Kumar Singh, Dehradun mayor Vinod Chamoli and DGP Anil Raturi.
The day was celebrated at the government offices and educational institutions too among others. At the police headquarters, DGP Returi hosited the national flag. He also felicitated some police personnel for their excellent work. Dehradun district magistrate S A Murugesan hoisted the national flag at the collectorate while Dehradun SSP Nivedita Kukreti did the same at Police lines. Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam limited (UJVNl) managing director SN Verma hoisted the national flag at its headquarter-Ujjawal. He also released half- yearly magazine ‘Jal Nidhi’ on the occasion.