70th Republic Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour across the State today. Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurled the National Flag and took the salute of 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 Major Vikram Dev Singh from 22 Rajput.Lady Governor Darshana Devi and Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and wife of Chief Minister Dr. Sadhna Thakur were also present on the occasion.The March past was presented by the contingents of Army, Indo-Tibet Border Police, SSB Jawans, Ex-Servicemen, State Police, Home Guards, Bharat Scouts & Guides and NCC cadets etc. A colourful cultural programme representing all districts was also presented on the occasion. Tableaux highlighting various development activities of different departments also formed a part of the Republic Day celebration. A special Tableaux focussed on Mahatma Gandhi Ji visit to Shimla on 11 May, 1921 was the main attraction.
Cultural troupe Una got the first prize, second prize was given to NZCC Rajasthan and Yoga performers got the third prize. Similarly, Tableaux of Industry Department was given the first prize, Tourism department got second prize and a play based on Jan Manch was given third prize. Contingents of NCC girls got first prize, NCC boys got second prize and NSS girls have been awarded the special prize. The Governor awarded the winners. The Governor also honoured the sports persons of the state who had performed at International level which included Jyotika Dutta, Naresh Kumar, Sumita Mehta, Shivam Kumar and Abhinav Bhaskar. Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, MLAs Vinod Kumar and Balbir Verma, Deputy Mayor Rakesh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary cum Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. Shrikant Baldi, Director General of Police S.R. Mardi, other senior Civil, Police and Military officers were also present on the occasion amongst others.