India celebrates 71st Republic Day today

Nation celebrates 71st Republic Day today. The main function will be held at Rajpath in the National Capital where President Ram Nath Kovind will unfurl the national flag and take the salute of the parade.

This year, President of Brazil Jair Messias Bolsonaro will be the Chief Guest. The Tableau of Sixteen States and Union Territories and six Central Ministries will participate in the Parade. Startup India, Jal Jeevan Mission and financial inclusion are some of the themes of the tableaux of Ministries and Departments.

Jammu and Kashmir will participate in the parade for the first time as a Union Territory. Our correspondent reports that India’s military might, cultural diversity, social and economic progress will be on display during the celebration at the majestic Rajpath.

Meanwhile, over 20 thousand security personnel from Delhi Police and other central security forces have been deployed in the National Capital to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.

CCTV cameras and face-recognition cameras have also been installed at Rajpath. In view of the Republic Day Parade, the entry and exit gates of Central Secretariat and Udyog Bhawan metro stations will remain closed up to 12 noon, while Lok Kalyan Marg and Patel Chowk metro stations will be closed from 8: 45 in the morning to 12 noon. However, the interchange facility will be available at Central Secretariat.

Flag hoisting functions to mark Republic Day have also been organized in states, union territories and Indian missions abroad.

All India Radio, Delhi will broadcast running commentary on the Republic Day parade and cultural Pageant in Hindi and English simultaneously from 9:15 AM. All AIR stations including local radio stations, all five community radio stations and FM Channels will relay the running commentary either in Hindi or in English.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the people on the occasion of Republic Day today.

In his message, Mr. Naidu urged the people to devote themselves to the constitutional ideals of freedom, equality, fraternity and equal justice for all. He asked them to take a pledge that they will follow the constitutional obligations and duties as citizens and contribute to the progress of the nation.