Full dress rehearsal held, DC takes stock of arrangements

A full dress rehearsal for the 76th state-level Republic Day function was conducted at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) grounds here on Thursday. Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal presided over the parade and unfurled the National Flag.

Jorwal took the salute from the participating contingents in the march past, which included the Punjab Police (men and women), Punjab Home Guards and NCC Scouts (boys and girls), led by parade commander Akarshi Jain, a young IPS officer.

The march past was followed by a mass physical training display by 900 students from 26 government schools, along with a colourful patriotic cultural programme presented by students from various institutions, including BVM School, DAV School and Army Public School (Jalandhar).

Besides, the Army personnel showcased kalaripayattu, an ancient martial art, which remained a centre of attention.

A total of 17 tableaux from different departments, including Health, Soil Conservation, Forest, Verka, Women and Child Development, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, DBEE, CMD Yogshala, Education, Markfed and the ADC (Rural Development) Office highlighted the government programmes and policies during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day event.

Shortly after the full dress rehearsal, Deputy Commissioner Jorwal convened a meeting of the district officials at the stadium to finalise the preparations for the state-level Republic Day celebrations.

Jorwal said Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria would preside over the state-level Republic Day function to be held on January 26 at the PAU grounds here. He would later inaugurate a weapon and tank display exhibition by the Army near the grounds.