Kerala joined the nation in celebrating the 65th Republic Day on Sunday with programmes reflecting patriotism organised at the State capital Thiruvananthapuram, bases of different Forces and at various centres and district and district headquarters.
State Governor Nikhil Kumar led the Republic Day celebrations in Thiruvananthapuram by unfurling the Tricolour, inspecting a guard of honour and delivering a speech packed with patriotism. In his address, he asked the Government to explore the possibility of the model of Public-Private Participation for the State’s Growth.
Platoons of Army, Air Force, Central Reserve Police force, Railway Protection Force, Special Armed Force, Kerala Prisons Department and Kerala Fire and Rescue Force were among those which took part in the Republic Day parade at Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and senior Government officials were present on the occasion. State Ministers led the Republic Day celebrations organised in the 14 district headquarters. In Kochi, Excise Minister K Babu hoisted the national flag at the Parade Ground at Kakkanad. At Kozhikode, Social Welfare and Panchayat Minister MK Muneer led the celebrations at the Vikram Ground, West Hill.
The Southern Naval Command celebrated with a ceremonial parade reviewed by Vice Admiral Satish Soni, flag officer Commanding-in-Chief at the Naval Base in Kochi. The Vice-Admiral paid floral tributes at the War Memorial for departed shipmates at the base. As many as 36 platoons including six armed platoons attended the parade accompanied by a 50-man guard.