R-Day: Kullu cultural troupes the best

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 27

The 69th Republic Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour in the state. Various functions were held to mark the day.

Governor Acharya Devvrat, who presided over the state-level Republic Day function on the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla, unfurled the Tricolour and took the salute at an impressive march past by the contingents of the Army, ITBP, SSB jawans, Uttarakhand Police, ex-servicemen, HP Police, Home Guards, Bharat Scouts and Guides and NCC cadets. Capt Deepak Mathpal from the 22 Rajput Rifles commanded the parade.

A colourful cultural programme, representing all districts, was also presented. Tableau highlighting various development activities of different departments were also part of the celebration. Weapon display performed by ITBP jawans was the highlight of the day.

Cultural troupes of Kullu, Bilaspur and Hamirpur bagged first, second and third prizes. The tableaux of the Health Department focusing on ‘Beti Bachao’ bagged the first prize, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) got second and agriculture and tourism departments jointly shared the third prize. The Governor awarded the winners. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, MLAs Narender Bragta and Balbir Verma, were also present among others.

Bilaspur

Forest and Transport Minister Govind Singh presided over the district level function at Bilaspur. After unfurling the Tri-colour, he took the salute from the contingent of the police, Home Guards, NCC and students. A colourful function was also held.

Kinnaur

Presiding over the district-level function at Rekong Peo in tribal Kinnaur district, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Rajiv Saizal said the state government had taken some decisions to improve the quality of life of the people. He said that the government had decreased the age eligibility criteria of old-age pension from 80 years to 70 years, which would benefit thousands of aged people.

3 honoured for social service

Nahan: Rural Development and  Panchayati Raj Minister Virender Kanwar  unfurled the National flag and took the salute of  an impressive march past at Nahan. The minister  also awarded three persons, 102-year-old Meen Singh of Fagni Nohradhar for his outstanding contribution to afforestation activities,  Sunila Gachhan  from Sarahan and BB Aggarwal from Nahan for their social services.  He also honoured eight  police personnel for their meritorious  services.  

State tableaux attraction in Delhi 

The tableaux of Kee Gompa was the main attraction of the parade in New Delhi. The tableaux depicted Kee monastery, a famous Buddhist monastery in Lahaul and Spiti district, was located at 4,166 metres. It was established in the 11th century and still houses ancient Buddhist scrolls and paintings. A large number of Buddhist monks, nuns, and lamas live in this religious training centre to receive education.

Governor hosted ‘At Home’

• The Governor also hosted “At Home” at Raj Bhawan, attended by Jai Ram Thakur, former CM Virbhadra Singh, ministers, MLAs, Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol, Vineet Chawdhry, Mardi and other dignitaries.
• Governor said the day was an occasion to rededicate ourselves to steer the nation and state on the path of progress and prosperity.
• Calling for eradication of drug menace, he said every citizen should join the crusade against drugs.