(MOREPIC1)(MOREPIC2) Face2News/Shimla
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla today hoisted the National Flag at the historic Ridge Ground in Shimla during the 77th State-level Republic Day celebrations. After unfurling the Tricolour, the Governor inspected the parade led by Additional Superintendent of Police, Shimla, Mehar Panwar, and took the salute of an impressive march past commanded by Lieutenant Shashwat Tiwari of 1 J&K Battalion.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Lady Governor Janki Shukla were also present on the occasion.
The march past featured contingents from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Punjab Police, Himachal Pradesh Police, Home Guards, Fire Services, Himachal Pradesh Postal Services, Disaster Management teams, Ex-Servicemen, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Bharat Scouts and Guides, and other units, reflecting discipline, unity, and national pride.
(SUBHEAD)On the occasion, the Governor honoured Ritik Chauhan, a resident of Gagana village under Chambi Post Office in Chaupal Tehsil of Shimla district, with the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak for displaying exceptional courage in saving lives.
Colourful tableaux highlighting developmental initiatives and achievements of various government departments were a major attraction of the ceremony. Cultural performances further enriched the event. Artists from the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala presented folk dances from Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttarakhand.
The Eklavya Art Manch of Himachal Pradesh Police, 1st IRBN Bangarh, Una, staged a powerful street play on the theme “Drug-Free Himachal”, creating awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse, especially chitta. Artists from Hamirpur and Shimla also mesmerized the audience with their captivating performances.
Among those present were Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, MLAs Kuldeep Rathore and Mohan Lal Brakta, Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, senior citizens, police and military officers, and people from across the state.
