The 73rd Republic Day was celebrated with gaiety and fervour across the State today. The state level function was organised in Shimla where Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar unfurled the national flag and took the salute of March Past at the state-level Republic Day function. The functions were also organised at all district headquarter level in which the chief guests unfurled the Tricolour and paid homage to the martyrs and freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices for the nation. The Governor inspected the parade and took salute from an impressive march past, led by Parade Commander Capt Gurdev Singh from 2 Naga Regiment, Jutogh.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur and his wife Dr. Sadhna Thakur were also present on the occasion. The march past was presented by the contingents of Army, Indo-Tibet Border Police, Himachal Pradesh Armed Police, State Police, Home Guards, Fire Services and Himachal Pradesh Postal Services, Disaster Management, ex-servicemen, National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme Cadets etc. Tableaux highlighting various development activities of different departments also formed a part of the Republic Day celebration. A drill performance by Naga Regiment was lauded by one and all. Due to inclement weather and snowfall, the cultural programme was organized at the historic Gaiety Theatre in Shimla. A skit based on an awareness programme regarding Covid pandemic performed by the artists of Information and Public Relations.
The culture troupes from North Zone Cultural Center (Punjab) also performed on this occasion. Tableau of Rural Development and Health and Family Welfare Department were given the first prize jointly. Municipal Corporation Shimla got the second and Tableau of Education Department was given the third prize. The Governor presented the prizes in the presence of the Chief Minister. The Governor also honoured Mahatma Gandhi Swasthya Sewa Sansthan, Khaneri (Rampur) in Government Sector and Lion Riyon Dialysis and Health Care Center, New Shimla for their best performance in Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, Mayor Satya Kaundal, MLA Balbir Verma, Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu and other senior civil, police and military officers were also present on the occasion amongst others.
