69th Republic Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour across the State today. Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute during a march past at the State-level Republic Day function held on the historic Ridge Maidan, Shimla.The Governor inspected the parade and took salute from an impressive march past, led by Parade Commander Capt. Deepak Mathpal from 22 Rajput Rifles.Lady Governor Smt. Darshana Devi and Chief Minister Shri Jai Ram Thakur were also present on the occasion.The March past was presented by the contingents of Army, Indo-Tibet Border Police, SSB Jawans, Uttarakhand Police, ex-servicemen, State Police, Homeguards, Bharat Scouts & Guides and NCC cadets. A colourful cultural programme representing all districts was also presented on the occasion. Tableaux highlighting various development activities of different departments also formed part of the Republic Day celebration.
Weapon Display was performed by ITBP jawans which was lauded by one and all.Cultural troop Kullu got the first prize, second prize to Bilaspur and Hamirpur got the third prize. Similarly, Tableaux of Health department focussed on 'Beti Bachhao' has given the first prize, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) got second and Agriculture and Tourism departments have been given third prize jointly. The Governor awarded the winners.Education Minister Shri Suresh Bhardwaj, MLAs Shri Narender Bragta and Shri Balbir Verma, Mayor Smt. Kusum Sadret, Deputy Mayor Shri Rakesh Kumar, Chief Secretary Shri Vineet Chaudhary, Director General of Police Shri S.R.Mardi, Additional Chief Secretary-cum-Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Smt. Manisha Nanda, other senior Civil, Police and Military officers were also present on the occasion amongst others.