Bharat Ganarajya/Republic of India/Hindustan - Republic Day 26th January 2018

[Hindustani78]

The tableau of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The tableau of the Department of ICAR passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The tableau of the Department of Income Tax passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The tableau of the Department of CPWD passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The National Bravery Awards-2017 winning children passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The National Bravery Awards-2017 winning children passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The school children perform at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The school children perform at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The school children perform at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The school children perform at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of Women’s Motor Cycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ of Border Security Force, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of Women’s Motor Cycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ of Border Security Force, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of Women’s Motor Cycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ of Border Security Force, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of Women’s Motor Cycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ of Border Security Force, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of Women’s Motor Cycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ of Border Security Force, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of Women’s Motor Cycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ of Border Security Force, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of Women’s Motor Cycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ of Border Security Force, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Rajpath comes alive with the dare devil stunts of Women’s Motor Cycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ of Border Security Force, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Three planes in arrow formation fly over Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

C-17 Globemaster plane fly over Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Five Jaguar fighter planes fly over Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Three SU-30 MKI fighter planes fly over Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi returning after witnessing the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, at Rajpath, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, at Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh unfurling the National Flag, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh taking the salute after unfurling the National Flag, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh addressing the students of Jammu region, on Bharat Darshan tour organised by Border Security Force (BSF), Ministry of Home Affairs, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh in a group photograph with the students of Jammu region, on Bharat Darshan tour organised by Border Security Force (BSF), Ministry of Home Affairs, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh unfurling the National Flag, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-challenges/article22529694.ece?homepage=true

Shwetha Ashwas of the Indian Military Police performs stunts, at the 69th Republic Day celebrations, at Manekshaw Parade Grounds, in Bengaluru on Friday. | Photo Credit: K. Murali Kumar

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-challenges/article22529694.ece?homepage=true

“The Republic Day functions at all district headquarters passed off peacefully,” a senior police officer said.

Colourful tableaux, disciplined parades, and enthusiasm and excitement among students marked the day as patriotic fervour gripped the nation on the 69th Republic Day which passed off peacefully amid tight security.

Governors unfurled the tricolour in their respective states and outlined its achievements while also urging the citizens of the Republic to take pledge to meet the challenges ahead.

In Kashmir, all Republic Day programmes, including the main event in Srinagar, were uneventful amid heightened security measures in view of intelligence reports suggesting that militants might target the functions.

“The Republic Day functions at all district headquarters passed off peacefully,” a senior police officer said.

R-Day celebrations in Uttarakhand, UP and Punjab

In Dehradun, Uttarakhand Governor K.K. Paul hoisted the tricolour and reminded the citizens the Constitution has enlisted fundamental duties alongside the Fundamental Rights.

In Uttar Pradesh, energy and patriotism marked the celebrations with the main function being held at the state capital Lucknow. At Vidhan Bhawan, Governor Ram Naik took the salute of the parades put up by the army, central forces and school children.

The Governor on the occasion asked people to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the nation.

V P Singh Badnore, Punjab Governor and the administrator of UT Chandigarh, unfurled the national flag in Pathankot, while Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki hoisted the tricolour in Ambala.

Three detained in Rajasthan

Meanwhile, two Pakistan nationals and an Indian, carrying a satellite phone, were detained in Pokhran town of Rajasthan for allegedly hatching a conspiracy to disturb peace and harmony, police said.

Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Gaurav Yadav said they will be interrogated by a joint team of military intelligence and Jaisalmer police. Possession of satellite phone without authorisation is not allowed in the country.

Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the tricolour at the famous Gandhi Maidan at Patna on the occasion and said the state was working for the development of all sections of the society.

The government will take measures to empower the youth and the marginalized sections of the society, he said, after taking a salute at the marchpast by contingents of Bihar police and central armed forces.

The ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi.

Later in the day, the Chief Minister hoisted the flag at his official residence and at a “Mahadalit Tola” in Punpun block of rural Patna.

Political parties celebrate R-Day

The tricolour was also unfurled at the offices of political parties like the BJP, the Congress, the RJD and the JD(U) besides government establishments and educational institutions.

In neighbouring Jharkhand, after unfurling the tricolour Governor Droupadi Murmu said the state is second only to Gujarat in terms of growth rate in the country.

West Bengal Governor K.N. Tripathi hoisted the tricolor at Red Road in Kolkata. He also presided over an hour-long march past of the armed forces, police forces and civilians, including school students.

Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi said the state government is working on a Rs 1,500-crore project for protection measures against flood and erosion problem.

Hoisting the tricolour on the occasion, Mr. Mukhi said, “The state government has embarked upon a project under the nomenclature ‘Assam: Flood, Erosion and River Management Modernisation Project’ at a tentative cost of Rs 1,500 crore.”

Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao addressed a gathering at Shivaji Park in Mumbai after reviewing an impressive parade to mark the day.

Eye-catching parade

Tableaux on P-21 surface-to-surface missile, surface-to- air missile, Rakshak Bulletproof vehicle, Mahila Suraksha Pathak vehicle, Jalyukta Shivar scheme, were a part of the parade.

In Telangana, Governor E S L Narasimhan in his Republic Day speeh said the state government would introduce a separate budget for agriculture from the next financial year.

While, Goa Governor Mridula Sinha said although tourism was generating revenue in the state, it has also brought with it issues like narcotics and human trafficking.

“The government is committed to fight these evils. I am hopeful that joint efforts by the people and the government will weed out these evils from the state,” she said at the Republic Day function in the state capital of Panaji.

In his speech, Mizoram Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma congratulated the people of the state, NGOs, religious institutions and media for being committed to protect peace and harmony.

Addressing the Republic Day function at the Assam Rifles ground here after unfurling the tricolour, Sharma said the collective efforts of law-enforcing agencies and the commitment of the civil societies and voluntary organisations made it possible for Mizoram to maintain its status as one of the more peaceful states of the country.

While in his speech, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra exhorted the people to contribute to the remarkable growth plan being carried out by the state government to put the state in the highest-growth trajectory.

Tight security in Odisha

The day was celebrated across Odisha amid tight security as Governor S C Jamir unfurled the tricolour on the Mahatma Gandhi Road in the state capital.

In his speech, Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy congratulated the people for maintaining ‘its long tradition’ of peace and harmony and said the state should uphold democratic values under all circumstances.

In Karnataka, Governor Vajubhai Vala urged the people to build a strong nation on patriotic sentiments and scientific temperament as he addressed the gathering after unfurling the tricolour at the historic Manekshaw Parade ground.

Meanwhile, Kerala Governor P Sathasivam expressed concern over some youths falling prey to political and communal feuds and also joining terror outfits.

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/reading-the-constitution/article22524714.ece?homepage=true

The one text that must be compulsory reading in classrooms across India
The one national document that promised a different, potentially more egalitarian future in a country with a long and troubling history of sectarian strife, hierarchy and discrimination is under vociferous attack. The Constitution has become the focus of myriad discontents, with surprising attention now being paid to the imagery in it as well. What do these multiple and sustained assaults imply?

Starting in Karnataka
Many of these attacks have originated from Karnataka, but they cannot be explained away by the State’s forthcoming polls. Devanoor Mahadeva, one of Kannada’s most critically acclaimed writers, has recently said that like the thieves who set the haystack at the village edge on fire, to move in and loot the village when its inhabitants were dousing those flames, the country is being set on fire, not sparing even the relationship between husband and wife.

The fires are many and growing. The Swamiji of the Pejawar Matha, among the most venerated of Karnataka’s religious heads, set the ball rolling recently in the remarks he made at the Dharma Sansad organised at Udupi in late November. He pointed out that B.R. Ambedkar was not the sole author of the Constitution: “Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Benegal Narsing Rau, and K.M. Munshi were also contributors.” Now, it is certainly important for all Indians to be aware of the massive, protracted collective exercise that brought the Indian Constitution into being, especially when consultative processes are given short shrift. But why were only three Brahmin men singled out for special mention? Why not remind the Indian public of Dakshayani Velayudhan, Rafi Ahmad Kidwai or Frank Anthony?

Hot on the heels of Swamiji’s words came the warning from a Member of Parliament, Anant Kumar Hegde. He claimed that the BJP’s massive mandate is a mandate to change the Constitution. We now know his carefully crafted ‘apology’ has not restrained him, and he has gone on to darkly speak of ‘cleansing’ as a political duty.

Taken together, the remarks of the Pejawar Swamiji and Mr. Hegde speak of their yearning for the comfortable caste hierarchies of the past. Mr. Hegde, who hails from the economically dominant, garden-landowning Havyak (Brahmin) community, has recently ominously compared the field of politics to a bath house that needs regular ‘cleansing’ of slime.

The sociologist Ramesh Bairy’s book had drawn our attention to the growing sense of ‘beleaguerment’ among Karnataka Brahmins and their perceived social and cultural ‘losses’ in the democratic present. The attack on the secular may not therefore be just another instance of a well-shaped attack on Indian Muslims. The erstwhile princely Mysore, which forms a dominant part of contemporary Karnataka, was the first to implement reservations to educational institutions and jobs in 1919. Through its ‘‘communal order’’ (at a time when the word had a non-pejorative association), the savarna stranglehold on jobs, education, and space was challenged, though far from totally dislodged, by the early actions of a bureaucracy under Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV, who was personally invested in bringing other backward classes in particular to the forefront. These early legacies have been given a firmer footing in the Constitution.

The criticism of the Constitution takes other forms as well. Addressing a seminar in New Delhi recently, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad referred to how the drafting committee had commissioned Nandalal Bose to illustrate the document. Nandalal Bose, he claimed, filled the pages of the original Constitution with sketches appropriate to the ideas the chapters themselves conveyed. For example, he said, for the section on Citizenship, there is a sketch on the ‘Vedic life in India’; in the section on Fundamental Rights, there is ‘a visual of Rama returning to Ayodhya from Lanka with Sita and Lakshmana’; for Finance, Property and Suits there is a dancing Nataraja. He asked the audience to ‘remember’ there is Akbar in the illustrated edition, ‘but not Aurangzeb’. Summing up his short foray into art history, he noted that the illustrated Constitution was signed by all members of the Constituent Assembly! His implication was that today’s ‘secular’ constitutional nationalists would today object to such (namely ‘religious’) illustrations by arguing India was going ‘communal’.

Text in the margins
Mr. Prasad reads Nandalal Bose’s art-historical tour of a complex Indian heritage so literally that it takes your breath away. Bose spent five years creating the rich images not as a sectarian vandalising of the past. It was a respectful review in which the images ran parallel to, but did not illustrate, the text. That is why some of the 22 images are line drawings, others are in colour, yet others feature the non-figural landscapes of mountain, sea and desert. It was the culmination of a decades-long engagement with the annual Congress sessions, and with Mahatma Gandhi in particular, in building an art historical heritage appropriate to the times. His team captured the long and diverse art practices of the Indian subcontinent, borrowing from well known clay, stone and metal sculptures, temple representations, folk forms, illustrated Mughal manuscripts, frescoes, and infusing them with a contemporariness that is truly a work of art in itself. The team drew from myth, history and imagination with equal ease and consummate skill, and, as K.G. Subramanyan has put it, Bose himself drew on “traditional continuities (though not traditional stagnation).”

We would do well indeed to take the Minister at his word, quite literally, and search for the instructive spirit of the Constitution both in its text in its ‘margins’, not as a weapon with which to strike at our political enemies, but for its nuanced understanding of Indian pasts and futures. It is this text, its images and rich borders that should be compulsory reading in every Indian classroom.

Janaki Nair is professor of history, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

 

[Hindustani78]

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal takes salutes during the state level Republic Day function at Chhatrasal Stadium in New Delhi, on Thursday. PTI Photo

The main flag hoisting function and ceremonial parade were held at the Maulana Azad stadium in Jammu city where Governor N.N. Vohra unfurled the tri-colour and took the salute at an impressive parade.

In Srinagar city, the main function was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium where Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Rehman Veeri hoisted the tri-colour and took the salute at the parade.

This year the venue of Republic Day function had been shifted from Bakshi Stadium to SK Cricket Stadium.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...shifted-from-rural-to-a-modern-india-5040157/

From the outset, India’s Republic Day parades have been a grand affair and a splendid spectacle, displaying the nation’s achievements, military might and cultural diversity through state-of-the-art warfare equipment, flypasts, stunts and the vivid, thematised floats around the country. On January 26, 1950, the first ever Republic Day parade was performed at the Irwin Amphitheater (now Major Dhyan Chand Stadium) where 3,000 officers of the armed forces, and more than 100 aircrafts participated, after India’s newly-sworn President Dr. Rajendra Prasad rode through the streets of Delhi to arrive at the venue.

The continuity of the parade lies in the expression of the nation’s military capability, now mostly in the form of sophisticated, modern weaponry, whereas in the initial years the regiments had been right out of the British Indian Army and there were many more animals — horses, camels, elephants and even mules — often in tribute to India’s ancient and historical military splendour. There were many more dancing crowds of children and the floats often featured agriculture-based themes, reflecting young India’s focus on its villages.

In the years that followed, the parade line-up tightened and the focus gradually shifted to a more consolidated, modernising India.

Below are a few clips of the first two decades of the parade, where despite vintage footage, one can sense the ambience of celebration and the enthusiasm of the assembled crowds.
1950

1952

1954

1959

1961

 

[padamchen]

I missed it this year thanks to some bufoon at ICC deactivating my set top box.

Cheers, Doc

 

[Hindustani78]

Photos: India celebrates Republic Day 2018
Jan 26, 2018 15:32 IST

CRPF personnel celebrate after winning the first prize for marching during a Republic Day function in Patna. Celebrations across India showcased the country’s culture and diversity on the 69th Republic Day on Friday, from drawing cheers by leaders of 10 ASEAN nations who were chief guests at the parade in New Delhi to widespread attendance at events in various cities. (PTI)

People take selfies on the occasion of Republic Day at Mandi House crossing in New Delhi. (Burhaan Kinu / HT Photo)

School children perform during India's 69th Republic Day Parade in New Delhi. (Prakash Singh / AFP)

A member of Assam police jumps through a ring of fire as he performs a motorcycle stunt during celebrations in Guwahati. (Anupam Nath / AP)

A tableau passes the crowd during the Republic day parade at Rajpath in New Delhi.. (Ajay Aggarwal / HT Photo)

An Army contingent marches across the historical ridge on Republic Day in Shimla. (PTI)

Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel waves to the public during the parade in Bhopal. (Mujeeb Faruqui / HT Photo)

School children perform at a cultural programme in Moradabad. (PTI)

Performers take part in an event to mark Republic Day in Chandigarh on Friday. (Keshav Singh / ht Photo)

A band leader performs march past in Kozhikode. (PTI)

The Jammu and Kashmir police band seen during the Republic Day parade at Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. (Waseem Andrabi / HT Photo)

A song and dance performance, part of Republic Day celebrations in Amritsar. (Narinder Nanu / AFP)

An equestrian academy player demonstrates tent pegging skills at the Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal. (PTI)

A CISF contingent marches past as Governor Draupadi Murmu acknowledges with a salute in Ranchi. (PTI)

Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi celebrates Republic Day at her residence in Patna. (PTI)

Students perform as part of the Republic Day celebrations in Ghaziabad. (Sakib Ali / ht pHOTO)

AIMIM leader Asaduddain Owaisi hoists the national flag at Madina Circle in Hyderabad. (PTI)

Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi (C), after unfurling the national flag in Guwahati. (PTI)

Indian Army personnel during a border personnel meeting at Indian BPM hut in Daulat Beigh Oldi (DBO) and Chushul in Ladakh region.(ANI Photo/Twitter)

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/pu...rangers-over-ceasefire-violations/534484.html
Attari, January 26

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Friday refused to exchange sweets and greetings with their Pakistani counterparts--the Pakistan Rangers, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day.

The move by the BSF came following the heightened tension between both countries along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir due to repeated ceasefire violations by Pakistani forces leading to killing of soldiers and civilians on the Indian side.

Tension continues to prevail along the IB and LoC for the past few months due to repeated ceasefire violations.

BSF sources said it was conveyed to the Pakistan Rangers on Thursday that no sweets would be exchanged on Republic Day.

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http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ch...-chandigarh-recounts-achievements/534502.html

School children participates in the march past at the Republic Day celebration in Panchkula on Friday. Tribune photo: Ravi Kumar

Tribune news service

Chandigarh, January 26

Cold wave failed to deter enthusiasm of the participants at the Parade Ground at Sector 17 where Parimal Rai, Adviser to the Administrator, unfurled the national flag on Republic Day on Friday.

Bracing extreme weather conditions and the dense fog, schoolchildren presented a colourful programme. Rai also awarded residents and employees for their meritorious services. The tableaux showing various policies and programmes of the government were shown during the function.

The administration has announced a holiday in all government and private schools in the UT on January 27. While recounting the achievements of Chandigarh in the past year, Rai promised to make the city e-ready UT through a host of e-governance programmes.

Rai said the administration is committed to providing better health, transport and education facilities. He said more schools, hospitals and dispensaries would be opened soon. He said the city performed exceptionally in all central schemes.

The city ranked first in implementing the Aadhaar-based direct benefit schemes. He said that with the participation of the residents he expected that the city would perform well in the Swachha Survekshan 2018. He said that under the Smart city project many new schemes had been started. The administration had also added more sports facilities, infant mortality rate had been reduced, while many online services had already started, he added.

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Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar unfurls tricolour at #RepublicDay celebrations in Rohtak. ANI

Manpreet Badal addresses the gathering in Ludhiana. Tribune photo: Himanshu Mahajan

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/republic-day-celebrated-across-punjab/534492.html
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 26

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh unfurled the national flag at YPS Stadium in Patiala to mark the Republic Day celebrations.

Roads leading to the venue and the ones around New Moti Bagh Palace were sealed by cops who allowed only restricted entry of vehicles. With inputs that some state unions could hold protests, police checked all vehicles.

In Jalandhar, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Rana KP Singh was the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations. Finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal was the chief guest at the RD function in Ludhiana.

At Sangrur, Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu took salute from the march past at the Republic Day celebrations.

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Governor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti during the 69th Republic Day parade at MA Stadium in Jammu on Friday. PTI

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/ja...es-in-kashmir-pass-off-peacefully/534505.html

“The Republic Day functions at all district headquarters passed off peacefully,” a senior police officer said.

The main official function was held at Srinagar’s Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium, where Revenue Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri presided over the event.


Public Works Minister Naeem Akhtar took the salute at a parade in Kulgam. Relief and Disaster Management Minister Javed Mustafa presided over a function in Shopian, while Abdul Haq Khan was the chief guest in Anantnag.

Other ministers who presided over the Republic Day parades included Sajad Gani Lone (Kupwara), Imran Ansari (Bandipora), Basharat Bukhari (Baramulla), Ghulam Nabi Lone (Budgam) and Asiea Naqash (Ganderbal).

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http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/uttarakhand/republic-day-celebrated-in-uttarakhand/534506.html

Republic Day was celebrated on Friday across Uttarakhand with traditional fervour and enthusiasm. Governor Krishna Kant Paul took the salute at a ceremonial parade here, unfurled the national flag at the Raj Bhawan and planted a tree to mark the occasion.

Justice Lok Pal Singh hoisted the flag at the Nainital High Court in the presence of fellow judges. Republic Day was also celebrated at Rishikesh, Haridwar and other places.

The day was also celebrated at the Patanjali Yogpeeth at Kankhal in Haridwar where yoga guru Ramdev unfurled the national flag.

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[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of Laos, Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi meeting the Prime Minister of Laos, Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the Prime Minister of Laos, Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the Prime Minister of Laos, Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Abdul Razak signing the visitors’ book, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 24, 2018. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi is also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the ‘At Home Reception’, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day celebrations, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ‘At Home Reception’, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day celebrations, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ‘At Home Reception’, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day celebrations, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the other leaders, at the ‘At Home Reception’, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day celebrations, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the other leaders, at the ‘At Home Reception’, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day celebrations, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the ‘At Home Reception’, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day celebrations, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.

Ministry of Tourism
26-January, 2018 17:33 IST
‘Bharat Parv’ event begins Today at Red Fort, Delhi

6 Days Parv to generate Patriotic Mood, Promote Rich Cultural diversity of India and to ensure participation of General Public

‘Bharat Parv’ event begins today at Red Fort (Lal Quila), Delhi as part of the Republic Day 2018 celebrations. The event has been organized by the Government of India at the Red Fort, Delhi from 26th to 31st January, 2018. Smt. Rashmi Verma, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism inaugurated the event today. The prime objective of organizing the event is to generate a patriotic mood, promote the rich cultural diversity of the country and to ensure wider participation of the general public.

Bharat Parv is open for public till 10.00 pm today. From 27th to 31st January, 2018, the event will be open from 12.00 Noon to 10.00 pm. The event is open for public and entry is free. However, identity proof is to be carried for entry to the event. A Media Room has been set up at the venue to facilitate media persons.

The Ministry of Tourism has been designated as the nodal Ministry for the event, the highlights of which include Display of Republic Day Parade Tableaux, Performances by the Armed Forces Bands (Static as well as dynamic), a Multi-Cuisine Food Court, Crafts Mela, Cultural Performances from different regions of the country and Photo Exhibition by the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP).

The Cultural Performances include choreographed Folk/ Tribal Dances and Music arranged through the North Zonal Cultural Centre as well as performances by cultural troupes from the different States / UTs of the country. The Food Court has stalls set up by the States/ UTs, National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) showcasing street food from different regions as well as by the Institutes of Hotel Managements and ITDC.

The Crafts Mela with 50 stalls showcases the diverse handicrafts of the country, arranged by the State Governments and Ministry of Textiles through the office of the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts. There are Theme State Pavilions where each State is showcasing its strength along with its tourism products. DAVP has set up an exhibition on the theme “Naya Bharat Hum Karke Rahenge”. A live ‘Cookery Demonstration Area’ has been set up in the food court to promote cuisines of different States of India.

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The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma lighting the lamp to inaugurate the “Bharat Parv”, as part of the Republic Day 2018 celebrations, at Red Fort, in Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma addressing at the inauguration of the “Bharat Parv”, as part of the Republic Day 2018 celebrations, at Red Fort, in Delhi on January 26, 2018

The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma at the inauguration of the “Bharat Parv”, as part of the Republic Day 2018 celebrations, at Red Fort, in Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma at the inauguration of the “Bharat Parv”, as part of the Republic Day 2018 celebrations, at Red Fort, in Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma at the inauguration of the “Bharat Parv”, as part of the Republic Day 2018 celebrations, at Red Fort, in Delhi on January 26, 2018.

The Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma at the inauguration of the “Bharat Parv”, as part of the Republic Day 2018 celebrations, at Red Fort, in Delhi on January 26, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen paying floral tributes at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat, in Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen paying homage at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat, in Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen inspecting the Guard of Honour, during the Ceremonial Reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, during the Ceremonial Reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, during the Ceremonial Reception, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, at the delegation level talks, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen witnessing the exchange of agreements, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen witnessing the exchange of agreements, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen witnessing the exchange of agreements, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen witnessing the exchange of agreements, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen at the Press Statement, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen at the Press Statement, at Hyderabad House, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The State Counsellor of Myanmar, Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi calling on the President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen calling on the President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...-commandos-steal-the-show/article22531527.ece

Madras High Court Chief Justice Indira Banerjee interacting with CISF personnel during the Republic Day celebrations at the Madras High Court in Chennai on Friday. | Photo Credit: B_JOTHI RAMALINGAM


Display stunning acts of daredevilry

It was an all-women show at the 69th Republic Day celebrations at the Madras High Court with women commandos of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) displaying stunning acts of daredevilry.

The commandos held the gathering spellbound by pulling off spectacular gymnastic feats, besides highlighting their deftness in handling weapons blindfolded and ability to descend high rises with the help of ropes.

What added more colour to the celebrations was the presence of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee, only the second woman judge to hold the coveted post in the 155-year-old history of the High Court after Justice Kanta Kumari Bhatnagar, who was the Chief Justice of the chartered High Court for five months between June 15 and November 14, 1992.

Ms. Justice Banerjee unfurled the national tricolour.

In her address, the Chief Justice sprang a surprise by speaking several lines in Tamil while delivering her speech. The gathering greeted it with loud applause when she began addressing her companion judges as: “En Sagodhara Sagodhiri Needhipadhigale.”

She went on to state that the country had one of the best Constitutions in the world and that it was a woman- friendly document that stood for equality, irrespective of sex.

Hailing the rich contribution of Tamils towards the freedom movement and pointing out that as many as three Tamils, including Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan from the erstwhile Madras Presidency, K. Venkataraman and A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had held the office of the President, she said: “Tamilargalaagiya Neengal Migavum Perumai Pada Vendum. (Tamils should be proud of the fete).

Later, CISF personnel began displaying their skills. It started with a dog squad member Badal inviting the Chief Justice with a bouquet.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...with-enthusiasm-in-mandya/article22530916.ece

Splendid cultural programmes by schoolchildren, an orderly parade by various contingents, distribution of welfare measures and honouring achievers in various fields marked the 69th Republic Day celebrations at Sir M. Visvesvaraya district stadium here on Friday.

Housing and Mandya district in-charge Minister M. Krishnappa, unfurled the national flag, delivered the Republic Day address and received the salute from the members of various troupes of police, NCC, NSS and Scouts and Guides.

The stadium was packed with spectators as Deputy Commissioner N. Majushri had made it mandatory for all senior government employees to attend. However, M.H. Ambareesh, former Minister and local MLA, and other elected representatives did not attend the ceremony.

Mr. Krishnappa recalled the freedom struggle, sacrifice of freedom fighters, the country’s sovereignty, rich and diverse culture, food production, development of science and technology, and other issues in his address. He underlined the development agenda of the State government and said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been implementing a series of welfare schemes for the uplift of the poor and downtrodden. The Minister listed several such programmes including Mythri, Manasvini, Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya, Mathru Purna, waiving loans, Pashu Bhagya, Anila Bhagya and Krishi Bhagya.

Flower show
Later, he inaugurated the five-day annual fruit and flower show at the department premises, near the residence of Deputy Commissioner, in the town. The Mandya district administration and Horticulture Department have jointly organised the show and created a wide range of floral displays, including the Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple of Melkote, at the show.

Sand sculptures of horticulture expert Mari Gowda, philosopher Ramanujacharya and late Adichunchangiri seer Balagangadharanatha are some other attractions at the show.

Ms. Manjushri, Superintendent of Police G. Radhika, and others were present.

The Republic Day was also celebrated with great enthusiasm at taluk and hobli centres across the district by government and private organisations.

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Patriotic fervour: Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan inspecting the guard of honour during the Republic Day celebrations in Vijayawada on Friday. | Photo Credit: V RAJU.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...hing-ahead-on-many-fronts/article22531249.ece

Government’s people-centric approach is paying rich dividends, says Governor at R-Day celebrations

Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan has said that the government’s people-centric approach and developmental activities are giving good results and Andhra Pradesh has emerged as a leading State in many sectors in a short period of time.

Reviewing the 69th Republic Day parade at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium here on Friday, Mr. Narasimhan said that after bifurcation, the government had converted every crisis into an opportunity and initiated revolutionary policies for the development of the deprived sections of society.

Village malls

The Governor hoisted the national flag and received the guard of honour from the Army, CRPF, Odisha Police, APSP, Prohibition and Excise, NCC, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Youth Red Cross, and A.P. Social Welfare Residential Schools. Agriculture, Civil Supplies, CRDA, Education, Forest, Medical and Heath, Tourism, and other departments exhibited their projects through tableaux.

Mr. Narasimhan said two Chandranna Village Malls had been opened in Guntur and Vijayawada on a pilot basis. Going forward, 6,500 fair price shops would be converted into Chandranna Village Malls across the State in the first phase, he added.

‘On growth path’

Explaining the progress of the projects in irrigation, agriculture, industry, tourism, power, and other sectors, he said while the national average in industrial growth was 8.31% in 2016-17, it was 10.16 in the State. In manufacturing, the growth rate was 13.04% in the State against 10.31% in the country during the same period.

Tech edge

“The government is planning to deploy drones for providing real-time information for governance, which will have multiple benefits in security, policing, urban development, agricultural productivity etc. International Institute of Digital Technologies (IIDT), a world-class institute, was made operational recently in Tirupati,” he said.

The Governor distributed prizes to the Indian Army, A.P. Social Welfare Residential Schools, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, and A.P. Housing for bagging the first and second prizes in the contingents and tableau categories in the parade.

Home Minister N. Chinarajappa, Speaker K. Siva Prasada Rao, A.P. Legislative Council Chairman N.Md. Farooq, Ministers, Chief Secretary Dinesh Kumar, DGP M. Malakondaiah, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s wife Bhuvaneswari, officials, and students participated.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...in-from-krishna-this-week/article22531546.ece

District Collector B. Lakshmikantam reviewing the police parade during the 69th Republic Day celebrations in Machilipatnam.

The exercise of Bhoo-Aadhaar, in which a unique identification number is given to each landholding, will commence for the first time in the State in Jaggayyapeta mandal and Vuyyuru municipality in the last week of January.

After reviewing police parade and hoisting national flag during the 69th Republic Day celebrations here, Krishna District Collector B. Lakshmikantam has announced that the project would begin on a pilot basis. “A mega ₹850 crore project is under design, providing drinking water tap connection to each household across the district,” Mr. Lakshmikantam added during the Republic Day address. Announcing status of various projects in progress, he has claimed that over ₹1,045 crore has been spent till early this year under the Krishna Delta modernisation project. The project aims at ensuring supply of irrigation water for tail-end areas, apart from the widening of the irrigation channels. On housing front, at least 16,000 houses as against the sanctioned 60,000 houses in Vijayawada Municipal Corporation and the eight municipalities were under construction.

Natural farming

“An attempt has been made in persuading the farmers to shift to natural farming (Zero Budget Natural Farming) in the district, where it has been takne up in above 2,600 hectares in the kharif 2017-18 alone,” he said. The Collector accompanied by Joint Collector Vijaya Krishnan and Superintendent of Police Sarvashresth Tripathi has distributed farm implements, vehicles to the fisherfolk and farmers under the welfare schemes. The cultural performances by the school students and exhibition of chariots on welfare schemes of the government departments enthralled the audience.

 

[Hindustani78]

A member of the Shwetha Ashwas team of the Corps of Military Police performing stunts at Manekshaw Parade Grounds in Bengaluru on Friday.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...daramaiah-in-r-day-speech/article22531040.ece

Speaks about a “Karnataka model of development” and criticises forces trying to take India down the route of “religious nationalism.”
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah delivered a politically-loaded Republic Day message to the State on Friday, speaking about a “Karnataka model of development” and criticising the forces trying to take the country down the route of “religious nationalism”.

He obliquely hit out at Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Anantkumar Hegde for his recent statement that the BJP could change the Constitution. The Minister had to later apologise for his remarks in the Lok Sabha. “Recently, there have been demands for changing our Constitution. All democrats should condemn this in a united voice. I will also join in this condemnation,” Mr. Siddaramaiah said. “Participating in parliamentary democracy with differences with our Constitution is not only [a mark of] disrespect to the Constitution but also adverse to our democracy.”

Positioning himself as a “Constitutionalist”, Mr. Siddaramaiah declared that the Constitution was his dharma and realising its ideals his “raja dharma”.

He also came down heavily on the “growing intolerance” in the country. “It is impossible to build this country on the principles of religious nationalism. Debate over growing intolerance has taken centre stage and has been opposed by every individual trying to build the nation on the ideals of democracy and the Constitution. But these voices are being silenced. The move to denigrate, abuse and humiliate them is not the democratic way,” he said.

With the Assembly elections in the State approaching, Mr. Siddaramaiah also spoke about of a Karnataka model of development, linking it to B.R. Ambedkar’s appeal to work for socio-economic equality. “We have provided the basic necessities of the last man — food, health, education, housing and employment — through various ‘Bhagya’ schemes. We have created an environment where every person, irrespective of wealth, religion or caste, can live fearlessly with dignity and respect,” he said.

Vala’s message
Governor Vajubhai Rudhabhai Vala, too, voiced similar sentiments in his speech, after he hoisted the tricolour at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Grounds. “We have to establish peace and harmony among all, spreading the message of ‘unity in diversity’ to the whole world. We should strive for consolidation and solidarity of national unity,” he said.

The remarks come in the wake of communal tension in coastal Karnataka.

The Republic Day celebrations in the city were marked by cultural pageantry by schoolchildren and a motorcycle gymnast display by ‘Shwet Ashw’ of the Corps of Military Police (CMP). The Shwet Ashw team was led by Sub (MP) N.K. Tiwari, who has been performing with the team for 20 years.

Kalaripayattu, a Kerala-based martial art, performed by the Madras Regimental Centre, Willington, Tamil Nadu, drew much applause.

Two groups of over 650 students each performed dance pageantries to a medley of patriotic Kannada songs, among which one was dedicated to the Father of Indian Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar. ‘Punya Bhoomi Bharata,’ performed by over 650 students from Government High School, Chikkabidarakallu, Bengaluru North, won the first prize, while ‘Navu Prachanda Bharateeyaru, Vishala Hrudayadavaru’, performed by 682 students from Government Model Higher Primary School, Hoodi, and Florence Public School, Basavanna Nagara, won the second prize.

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Schoolchildren performing during the Republic Day programme in Hassan on Friday.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...rk-celebrations-in-hassan/article22530882.ece


The 69th Republic Day was celebrated with the flag hoisting, a parade, and cultural programmes by schoolchildren, at the district stadium in Hassan on Friday.

Minister for Sericulture and Animal Husbandry and in-charge of Hassan A. Manju hoisted the tricolour in a colourful function attended by hundreds of schoolchildren and officers among others.

As many as 44 platoons participated in the ceremonial parade led by parade commander H.M. Harish, Reserve Police Inspector. Troupes from District Reserve Armed police, civil police, NCC cadets, Homeguards and schoolchildren were part of the parade. The Minister inspected the guard of honour.

In his Republic Day address, Mr. Manju recalled the contributions of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and others in making India an independent country. He said the country could only become a republic because of the Constitution drafted by B.R. Ambedkar. He reserved the rest of his speech to list the achievements of the Siddaramaiah-led State government. The district administration felicitated achievers from different fields on the occasion.

Schoolchildren presented dance-dramas to the tunes of popular patriotic songs. MLC M.A. Gopalaswamy; zilla panchayat president Shwetha Devaraj; Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri, and other officers were present.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...with-enthusiasm-in-mandya/article22530916.ece

Splendid cultural programmes by schoolchildren, an orderly parade by various contingents, distribution of welfare measures and honouring achievers in various fields marked the 69th Republic Day celebrations at Sir M. Visvesvaraya district stadium here on Friday.

Housing and Mandya district in-charge Minister M. Krishnappa, unfurled the national flag, delivered the Republic Day address and received the salute from the members of various troupes of police, NCC, NSS and Scouts and Guides.

The stadium was packed with spectators as Deputy Commissioner N. Majushri had made it mandatory for all senior government employees to attend. However, M.H. Ambareesh, former Minister and local MLA, and other elected representatives did not attend the ceremony.

Mr. Krishnappa recalled the freedom struggle, sacrifice of freedom fighters, the country’s sovereignty, rich and diverse culture, food production, development of science and technology, and other issues in his address. He underlined the development agenda of the State government and said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has been implementing a series of welfare schemes for the uplift of the poor and downtrodden. The Minister listed several such programmes including Mythri, Manasvini, Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya, Mathru Purna, waiving loans, Pashu Bhagya, Anila Bhagya and Krishi Bhagya.

Flower show
Later, he inaugurated the five-day annual fruit and flower show at the department premises, near the residence of Deputy Commissioner, in the town. The Mandya district administration and Horticulture Department have jointly organised the show and created a wide range of floral displays, including the Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple of Melkote, at the show.

Sand sculptures of horticulture expert Mari Gowda, philosopher Ramanujacharya and late Adichunchangiri seer Balagangadharanatha are some other attractions at the show.

Ms. Manjushri, Superintendent of Police G. Radhika, and others were present.

The Republic Day was also celebrated with great enthusiasm at taluk and hobli centres across the district by government and private organisations.

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Collector S.A. Raman reviews the guard of honour on the occasion of Republic Day on Friday. | Photo Credit: C_VENKATACHALAPATHY

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...onoured-during-r-day-fete/article22531386.ece

Chief Minister’s police medals presented, welfare assistance distributed in Vellore, Tiruvannamalai

The 69th Republic Day was celebrated with fervour in Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts on Friday.

In Vellore, Collector S.A. Raman hoisted the tricolour and reviewed the guard of honour at Nethaji Stadium. He honoured freedom fighters, and presented the Chief Minister’s police medals to 35 policemen in recognition of their good work. He also handed over certificates to 151 officers in appreciation of their work, and to five members of the public for motivating people for the scheme to construct individual toilets.

Mr. Raman handed over welfare assistance worth ₹1.32 crore to 70 beneficiaries on the occasion. This included house pattas for seven persons and elderly assistance to 33 persons through the revenue department, equipment worth ₹1.45 lakh to three farmers through the agriculture department, retrofitted two-wheelers to two persons through the differently abled welfare office and loans with subsidy to the tune of ₹1.14 crore to first generation entrepreneurs and under the Prime Minister’s employment scheme.

A total of 750 students from various schools staged cultural programmes on the occasion.

At the Government Vellore Medical College Hospital, dean Santhi Malar hoisted the national flag. She presented certificates to medical officers, technical staff and employees in appreciation of their work. At the 04 battalion of National Disaster Response Force, Arakkonam, Senior Commandant Rekha Nambiar hoisted the national flag. She handed over the DG’s disc medal and appreciation letters to NDRF personnel for their hard work in operational duties.

Kandasamy hoists flag

In Tiruvannamalai district, Collector K.S. Kandasamy hoisted the tricolour. He handed over the CM’s police medals to 26 persons and certificates to 126 government officers and employees. He presented welfare assistance to the tune of ₹2.10 crore to 149 beneficiaries. This included house pattas for 34 beneficiaries through revenue department, work orders to 21 beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s housing scheme to the tune of ₹35.70 lakh through the District Rural Development Agency and ₹69.40 lakh loans to 23 women Self Help Groups through Cooperatives Department.

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Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao at the 69th Republic Day celebrations in Secunderabad. | Photo Credit: G_RAMAKRISHNA

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...ng-a-model-state-governor/article22531116.ece

Lists out successes of various projects of newest state in the country at R-Day celebrations
Telangana State which became a reality over three years ago is already becoming a role model to other States in the country and is on the path to becoming Bangaru Telangana, Governor E.S.L.Narasimhan said here on Friday.

The Governor said he was proud to declare that the State was moving ahead in all sectors to fulfil the expectations of people. He was addressing the gathering at the Parade Grounds after unfurling the National Tricolour and reviewing the parade by various contingents on the occasion of 69th Republic Day celebrations.

Earlier, Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao arrived at the Parade Grounds ahead of the Governor to receive him and introduce him to the senior civil and defence dignitaries.

Mr. Narasimhan called upon people on the occasion of Republic Day to rededicate themselves for protecting the democratic values. “My Government is working on laying the foundation of basic human values, overall welfare of all sections of people, particularly the downtrodden, strengthening the rural economy, improving urban infrastructure, protecting the environment towards the goal of improving the living standards of people,” he said.

24-hour power

Listing out the achievements of the State, Mr. Narasimhan said the State had pulled itself out of power cut scenario within first six months and was today in a position to supply free 24-hour quality power to the agriculture sector. It set a target to generate 28,000 MW to make the State power surplus. The first phase of land record purification programme to give finality to land ownership was completed and passbooks to the undisputed land owners would be given soon. Mission Bhagiratha drinking water scheme, Mission Kakatiya for rejuvenation of tanks, quality health and education in public sector were other priorities.

The strategy for industrial growth and employment generation under TSiPASS attracted 6,070 industries with ₹1.18 lakh crore investments and created over two lakh jobs. The State’s growth rate till 2017-18 December was pegged at 18 % and State’s per capita income stood at ₹1.55 lakh as against ₹1.03 lakh at the national level.

Telangana was making rapid strides in the IT sector with 12 % growth in IT exports and efforts were on to spread IT to second tier cities like Warangal, Khammam, Karimnagar and Nizamabad.

Welfare schemes

Emphasising that the government was giving priority to both welfare and development, the Governor said State was spending ₹40,000 crore on various welfare schemes and all-round development of weaker sections and BCs.

Several multi-pronged measures were being taken up to make agriculture remunerative and a separate budget for agriculture would be introduced for 2018-19 and farmers would be given ₹8,000 per acre investment support and protect them from falling into debt traps.

Irrigation sector was given top priority and Kaleshwaram, Sree Sitarama , Palamoor LI schemes etc., were launched to irrigate one crore acres. ‘Haritha Haram’ was taken up to achieve eco-equilibrium and 80 crore saplings out of target of 230 crore were already planted, he said.



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District Collector Sarfaraz Ahmad participating in the Republic Day parade in Karimnagar on Friday. | Photo Credit: THAKURAJAYPALSINGH

Collector doles out assistance worth ₹30.08 crore
Collector Sarfaraz Ahmad has distributed assets and financial assistance worth ₹30.08 crore to 230 beneficiaries, sanctioned under various welfare schemes on the occasion of Republic Day celebrations at the Police Parade Grounds on Friday.

Smart city

Participating in the Republic day celebrations, hoisting the national flag and reviewing the police parade, the Collector said that Karimnagar city was included in the smart city list, which would bring in ample development on all fronts.

He said that the beautification of Karimnagar town roads, construction of the first cable-stayed bridge across the Manair river and Manair River Front, and Haritha hotel in the town would give a fillip to the tourism sector.

With regard to the Mission Bhagiratha programme, he said that the administration was taking all measures to provide drinking water connections to all households by June this year.

He said that they had laid 959.29 kilometre long pipelines and constructed 349 overhead tanks and 1139.61 kilometres of internal pipelines.

He added that the Karimnagar district had been declared Open Defecation free (ODF) with the construction of 1,77,458 individual sanitary latrines at a cost of ₹49 crore.

Commissioner of Police V.B. Kamalasan Reddy and others were also present.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...m-police-website-launched/article22531332.ece

Ramagundam Commissioner of Police Vikram Jeet Duggal launching the Ramagundam police website in Godavarikhani on Friday. | Photo Credit: Byarrangement


Public can submit grievances online
Ramagundam Commissioner of Police Vikram Jeet Duggal launched the official website of the Ramagundam Commissionerate — www.ramagundampolice.org — during the Republic Day celebrations in the Commissionerate office in Godavarikhani of Peddapalli district on Friday.

The website contains comprehensive information about the Commissionerate of police, including details of police stations and concerned officers’ telephone numbers and SHE teams, organization chart and police commissionerate map, among others. It also has details of the involvement of community in the policing such as Project Nigha Netram, Operation Smile, Jana Maitri, Operation Parivarthana, Punarjanma, road safety, police mithra and punaravasam, among others.

Public can submit their grievances through this website and also learn the status of the FIR and passport. It also provides information about the women and children protection.

It has video and photo gallery of the Ramagundam police commissionerate activities.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police reviewed the police parade and presented appreciation certificates to the police and employees of commissionerate. On this occasion, he said that the crime rate had come down in 2017 when compared to 2016. He said that they were focusing to check crime through social media in the region.

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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...rification-on-right-track/article22531344.ece

SHE team District In-charge and Circle inspector N. Anjali receiving commendation certificate from District Collector D.S. Lokesh Kumar, CP Tafseer Iqbal at Republic Day celebrations in Khammam on Friday. | Photo Credit: G_N_RAO


Collector presents round-up of development work
The land records purification exercise in 379 of the total 380 revenue villages in the district has been completed successfully, subsequent to which land records pertaining to 9,00,057 acres, out of 10,71,108 acres have been updated, said Collector D. S. Lokesh Kumar.

8,15,622 acres were agricultural lands, 37,619 acres were non-agricultural lands and 10,381 acres were government lands, he said, adding that new pattadar passbooks would be issued to the land-owners from March 11.

Addressing the gathering at the 69th Republic Day ceremony at the Police Parade Grounds here on Friday, the Collector said as many as 6.64 lakh survey numbers of the total 7,03,348 survey numbers in the district were verified and cleared during the 90-day massive process of field verification of land records that began on September 15 last year.

The whole exercise was aimed at ensuring input subsidy to the genuine farmers, he asserted.

On the progress of the Mission Bhagiratha project work, he said trial runs in Wyra and Palair segments of the mega drinking water project were already conducted to provide piped drinking water to 832 habitations. Safe drinking water would be provided to each household through taps from Ugadi festival onwards, he said. He gave a detailed account of the ongoing developmental activities in irrigation, road infrastructure and other fronts besides explaining in detail about the implementation of various welfare initiatives.

Students from various educational institutions presented impressive cultural programmes in the spirit of patriotism and national integration. A school student dressed up like Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao hogged the limelight during the cultural ceremony.

At Kothagudem

In Bhadradri-Kothagudem district, Collector Rajiv Gandhi Hanumanthu hoisted the national flag after inspecting the parade contingents at the Republic Day ceremony held in Kothagudem. Speaking on the occasion, he said the process of acquiring 1000 acres of land for the ₹7926-crore Sitarama Lift Irrigation Project has already been completed. Work on pump houses for the project at B .G. Kothuru, Pusugudem and Kamalapuram are progressing at a fast pace. The project would bring over 9.36 lakh acres under irrigation. He dwelt at length on the implementation of welfare schemes meant for tribals and other weaker sections

**************

Bengaluru, DH News Service Jan 27 2018, 1:04 IST

Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister, Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, Governor of Karnataka,N Manjunath Prasad, Commissioner BBMP, T Suneel Kumar, Police Commissioner are seen at Republic Day parade organised by Government of Karnataka at Field Marshal Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Friday. Photo by S K Dinesh

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/656116/guv-commends-karnatakas-edge-biotech.html

The state government has contributed IT exports worth Rs 3 lakh crore during 2017 and accounts for 35% of bio-tech industry revenue of the country, Governor Vajubhai Vala said.

The Governor was delivering his Republic Day speech after unfurling the National Flag at Manekshaw Parade Ground here.

Noting that Karnataka stands first among other states for the second time in a row in attracting investments, he said Bengaluru is one of the top five innovation hubs in the world.

The march past that followed the Governor's speech had platoons from the Border Security Force, Indian Air Force, CRPF and others.

The teams from states like Goa and Puducherry also took part in the march with the former getting a special prize.

For the first time, a team from KSRTC's Security and Vigilance Department participated. NCC cadets, scouts and guides and teams from a dozen schools marched with pride and vied for the prize.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah joined the Governor in presenting the 'Sarvottam Seva Award' to 12 officials in various posts in recognition of their performance.

Kalaripayattu and equestrian stunts added thrills to the cultural extravaganza. The martial art was on full display by 12 members of the Madras Regimental Centre, Tamil Nadu.

The daredevils of Shweta Ashwa team from Corps of Military Police, Uttar Pradesh, were back and brought with them some hair-raising bike stunts, adding a tinge of anxiety to the excitement.

The team started with a scissor-crossing stunt where streams of bikes from four corners cross each other with precision.

The equestrian team from ASC Centre and College added to the treat by showing off their skills. The four-member team was led by international rider Hawaldhar Singh.

***********
President's Secretariat
27-January, 2018 19:06 IST
Prime Minister of Cambodia Calls on the President

is Excellency Mr Hun Sen, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, called on President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 27, 2018).

During the conversation, the President said that India was honoured by the presence of the Cambodian Prime Minister at its Republic Day celebrations and the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. The President thanked him for his support for the successful ASEAN-India Summit.

The President said that India and Cambodia share close civilisational and cultural links. Our relations have stood the test of time. India is proud of having stood by Cambodia during a difficult period in its post-colonial history. In the context of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, Cambodia remains a key partner.

The President appreciated the remarkable economic development of Cambodia in recent years, with a GDP growth rate of over 7 per cent consistently year after year. He emphasised that India is committed to its development cooperation partnership with Cambodia. India wants to do more for capacity building and financial support in keeping with Cambodia’s priorities.

The President thanked the Cambodian Prime Minister for Cambodia’s support for India in various UN bodies and international fora. He also appreciated the decision of Cambodia to join the International Solar Alliance.

********

Vice President's Secretariat
27-January, 2018 19:08 IST
India is committed to provide all support to Cambodian Agriculture: Vice President

Interacts with Prime Minister of Cambodia

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India is committed to provide all support to the agricultural sector in Cambodia, which has a great potential. He was interacting with the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, here today. Senior officials from Cambodia and India were present on the occasion.



The Vice President conveyed his best wishes to the visiting Cambodian Prime Minister who is the longest serving Prime Minister in the world. He further complimented Cambodian Prime Minister’s son Mr. Hun Money for being bestowed with the Padma Shri Award, India's fourth highest civilian honour, by the Indian Government.



The Vice President recalled fond memories of his personal visit along with his family to the Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia few years back, which is the largest religious monument in the world. He further said that India is committed to continue its assistance in capacity building, developmental and social projects as well as preservation of historical and cultural heritage of Cambodia and the restoration and conservation of Angkor Wat temple and the continued work by Archaeological Survey of India at Ta Prohm temple was an evidence for the same. India is proud to become the co-chair of International Coordinating Committee for Safeguarding and Development of the Historic Site of Preah Vihear, he added.



The Vice President appreciated Cambodian government for the remarkable economic growth of over 7% consistently year after year in the last two decades. He further said that the economic developments in our two countries present opportunities for greater commerce and investment. Hope Cambodia will provide easy access to the Indian professionals, businessmen and service providers, he added.



The Vice President said that Indian Chair for Buddhist and Sanskrit studies at Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University further deepens the interactions and understanding between our scholars. He further said that a project development fund with a corpus of 75 million US Dollars for catalyzing Indian investment in CLMV countries is created. Our EXIM Bank teams are conducting feasibility studies in the region including Cambodia to identify potential sectors, he added.



The Prime Minister of Cambodia has recalled the assistance provided by the Indian Government during it’s difficult times. He invited the Vice President to make a state visit to Cambodia at his convenience.



The family members of the Vice President welcomed the visiting Cambodian Prime Minister with a traditional Pochampally Shawl.



*********

Prime Minister's Office
27-January, 2018 15:58 IST
List of MoUs/Agreements signed during the State Visit of Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia to India ( January 27, 2018)

S. No. Agreement/MOU/Treaty and Purpose of MoU Name of Minister/officials who exchanged Agreement from Indian and Cambodian side

1. Cultural Exchange Programme with Cambodia for the year 2018-2022. The CEP seeks to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the friendly relations between India and Cambodia. Indian side:
Dr. Mahesh Sharma Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Culture Government of India
Cambodian side:
Mrs. PHOEURNG Sackona Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia

2. Credit Line Agreement between the EXIM Bank, Government of India and the Government of Cambodia for a Line of Credit to finance the Stung Sva Hab Water Resource Development Project for US$ 36.92 million. Indian Side:
Smt. Preeti Saran Secretary(East) Ministry of External Affairs
Cambodian side:
Mr. PHAN Phalla, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Economy and Finance. Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia

3. Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. It seeks to improve the effectiveness of both countries in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes through cooperation and legal assistance in criminal matters. Indian side:
Smt. Preeti Saran Secretary (East) Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Cambodian side:
Mr. SIENG Lapresse Adviser of the Government in Charge of Transnational Crime, Ministry of Interior (MLAT). Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia

4. MoU on Cooperation for Prevention of Human Trafficking. It seeks to increase the bilateral cooperation on the issues of prevention, rescue and repatriation related to human trafficking. Indian side:
Smt. Preeti Saran Secretary (East) Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Cambodian side:
Mrs. CHOU Bun Eng Secretary of State, Ministry of Interior (Human Trafficking) Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia



******

President's Secretariat
27-January, 2018 19:01 IST
State Counsellor of Myanmar Calls on President Kovind

Her Excellency Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the State Counsellor of Myanmar, called on President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (January 27, 2018).



During the conversation, the President said that we are honoured by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s presence at our Republic Day and the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. The President stated that India had a longstanding relationship with her and her family. And Rashtrapati Bhavan and the Mughal Gardens also have a special connection with her. The President presented her bush roses from the Long Garden of Rashtrapati Bhavan.



The President said that Myanmar occupies the highest priority for India under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies. He assured India’s continued support to the Government of Myanmar in its peace process, and efforts towards national reconciliation and economic and social development.



The President said the India-Myanmar relationship will get a boost if we ensure that our strong political and cultural bonds are supported by commerce. Bilateral trade of just over US $ 2 billion is not reflective of our close ties. There is immense scope for cooperation in sectors such as power, renewable energy, hydrocarbons and health.

******


http://indianexpress.com/article/in...ndra-modi-samdech-hun-sen-pacts-mous-5041354/

By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi | Updated: January 27, 2018 5:17 pm

PM Narendra Modi and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Hun Sen witness the exchange of 4 MoUs/Agreements in various fields. (MEA Twitter)

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...ndra-modi-samdech-hun-sen-pacts-mous-5041354/



India and Cambodia on Saturday signed four agreements, including one to improve cooperation in prevention, investigation of crimes and legal assistance in criminal matters, besides a line of credit from India to fund Cambodia’s Stung Sva Hab water resources development project for USD 36.92 million.

The pacts were signed after comprehensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Hun Sen, who agreed to further enhance bilateral defence ties, including through exchanges of senior-level defence personnel and capacity-building projects.

The two leaders also discussed exploring ways to intensify the development partnership and boost ties in key sectors, including trade and investment, energy conservation agriculture, and tourism and culture.

The Cambodian PM also invited Indian companies to invest in his country. “I invite Indian investors to my country. [I am hopeful and expecting that the] Indian investors will go to Cambodia. Indian tourists and investors should come to Cambodia,” the Cambodian PM was quoted as saying by ANI while issuing a joint press statement with PM Modi at Hyderabad House in the national capital.

He also said that Cambodia “has got benefited due to [India’s] Act East Policy”.

PM Narendra Modi and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Hu Sen at Hyderabad House (Express photo)

India and Cambodia also signed an MoU on the prevention of human trafficking under which the two countries will see increase bilateral cooperation on the issues of prevention rescue and repatriation related to human trafficking. They also inked a pact for cultural exchanges through 2018-2020. The agreement seeks to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the friendly relations between the two nations.

The mutual legal assistance in criminal matters seeks to “improve the effectiveness of both countries in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes through cooperation and legal assistance in criminal matters,” the pact stated.

PM Narendra Modi and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Hu Sen at the forecourts of Rashtrapati Bhawan (Express photo)

Earlier in the day, PM Hun Sen was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan after which he paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Later on, he met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The two leaders dwelled upon issues of mutual interest related to development partnership, trade and investment, Human Resource Development (HRD) and people-to-people contacts.

Hun Sen is also scheduled to call upon President Ram Nath Kovind and his deputy M. Venkaiah Naidu.

(With inputs from agencies)

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...h-row-seat-at-parade-upsets-congress-5040719/
By: Express News Service | New Delhi | Updated: January 27, 2018 4:58 pm

Republic Day 2018: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Congress president Rahul Gandhi along with others at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 26, 2018. (Express photo by Renuka Puri)

By: Express News Service | Thiruvananthapuram | Updated: January 27, 2018 6:53 am

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat at a school in Pallakad. (Source: ANI/Twitter)

Bypassing a state government directive, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Friday hoisted the national flag at a CBSE-affiliated private school in Kerala’s Palakkad. Bhagwat is in Palakkad to attend a three-day camp of RSS workers.

By: PTI | Johannesburg | Updated: January 27, 2018 7:35 am

Asia Pacific ambassadors at India House ahead of Republic Day celebrations (twitter.com/RuchiraKamboj)
http://indianexpress.com/article/world/republic-day-celebrated-in-south-africa-5040790/

The 69th Republic Day was celebrated in South Africa with Indian Mission vowing to build a stronger relationship with the African country. Indian High Commissioner Ruchira Kamboj addressing the audience said “South Africa is very close to our heart,” and the two countries share a “very special” relationship.

“It is in our ethos to contribute to building a better composite and cohesive world at peace with itself and at peace with nature. These are the principles which we bring to the international community and which we bring to South Africa,” the Indian high commissioner to the country said. Consul General K J Srinivasa said 2018 marks a “wonderful year” for India and South Africa.

“It commemorates the 125th anniversary of the incident at Pietermaritzburg when Mahatma Gandhi was evicted from the train that led to his involvement in the struggle against discrimination and which in turn led to the independence of India and many other nations,” he said.

Srinivasa said 2018 also marks the 25th year of the resumption of formal diplomatic relations between India and South Africa. “It also marks the 20th year of a strategic relationship between South Africa and India with the Red Fort Declaration signed between Nelson Mandela and our then prime minister Deve Gowda,” he said.

Srinivasa said the Indian Mission has many events lined up for the year to encourage the building of a stronger relationship with South Africa. “In April, we are trying to encourage bilateral trade and commerce by holding a mega event – the India-Africa Business Summit – at the Sandton Convention Centre (in Johannesburg). “We hope to get together small and big companies from both India and South Africa to discuss how we can grow business manifold,” he said.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...outh-africa/story-DD2acUfD9a0Beb5ALCON7H.html
India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin reads out the excerpt message from the President of India during the celebration of India's 69th Republic Day in New York on Friday. (PTI Photo)

The US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, was the only P-5 country envoy not to attend the impressive Republic Day reception hosted jointly by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN and the Indian consulate in New York.

Haley, who was not in town, sent one of her top diplomats to the event, which was attended by several hundred Indian Americans, officials of the UN and envoys of scores of countries at the UN.

Prominent among those were the President of the General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak, and the Deputy UN secretary general Amina J Mohammed.

“Though far from India’s shores, the young sing about the ‘land that nourished and nurtured’ as we celebrate India’s #Republicday2018@IndiaUNNewYork,” Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, said in a tweet.

“We are grateful this evening that several distinguished officials as well as representatives have joined us. I am grateful to the President of the General Assembly who is here with us, also to the Lt Governor of New York, who is with us and the deputy secretary general, who is with us,” Akbaruddin said as he was joined by other dignitaries in lighting the lamp.

Indian ambassador to the US, Navtej Singh Sarna, paid floral tributes to statues of Mahatma Gandhi outside the Embassy in Washington before unfurling the national flag, in the presence of embassy staff and members of the Indian American community.

Akbaruddin unfurled the national flag at the UN mission in New York, with India’s other diplomatic missions in the US - in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, and Atlanta - also hosting events.

“It commemorates the 125th anniversary of the incident at Pietermaritzburg when Mahatma Gandhiji was evicted from the train that led to his involvement in the struggle against discrimination and which in turn led to the independence of India and many other nations.

“2018 also marks the centenary of Madiba’s (Nelson Mandela’s) birth, the 25th year of resumption of formal diplomatic relations with South Africa, and the 20th year of a strategic relationship between South Africa and India,” he said.

 

[Hindustani78]

69th Republic day Setwin Chairman Mir Inayath Ali baqri, along with his NGO,s National Hawker Federation , Telangana Hammal Union and Others Take out rally Celebration rally With 100 Mts Flag from Erragadda to Charminar Hundreds of Public Participate In Rally at, Charminar in Hyderabad :photo:Laeeq

Asst. Commissioner of Police, Chikkadpalli, hoisted a flag in Zamistanpur area of Musheerabad on the 69th Republic Day in Hyderabad.

Former MLA, M. Kodanda Reddy hoisted a flag in Zamistanpur area of Musheerabad on the 69th Republic Day in Hyderabad

Capt Amarinder Singh takes salute from the march past at Patiala. Tribune photo

In his brief speech after taking the salute and unfurling the national flag at the Republic Day parade at the YPS Stadium here, Amarinder assured the beleaguered farmers of the state that each of the 10.25 lakh farmers covered by the debt waiver scheme would receive its benefit by November this year.

Underlining his government’s commitment to the development of Patiala, which had been “sidelined” by the erstwhile SAD-BJP government completely during its 10-year rule, the Chief Minister announced a development grant of Rs 45 crore for rural areas and Rs 5 crore for urban areas over and above the Rs 100 crore already announced by him for the upgrade of infrastructure in both urban and rural segments of the district.

Capt Amarinder inaugurated a Rs 2000 crore project to repair 16,000 km rural link roads. This was the first time that the state government was investing such a huge amount for the development of rural link roads, he added.

The Chief Minister lauded the visually and hearing and speech impaired students who participated in the parade and presented a taekwondo show. He announced Rs 1 lakh per school/college which participated in the cultural function, from the CM’s fund. The CM honoured freedom fighters and their families with shawls and sweets. He also honoured 67 eminent personalities from different walks of life for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
27-January, 2018 18:46 IST
PM interacts with NCC Cadets and Tableaux Artists

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today interacted with tableaux artists, tribal guests, NCC Cadets, and NSS Volunteers who are in Delhi in connection with the Republic Day celebrations.

Walking among the group of NCC Cadets assembled at Teen Murti lawns, he spoke of the diversity of India. He said that there is a lot to learn from one another. He emphasized that it is important to embrace changes happening around us. The youth of India can bring transformative changes in the nation, he asserted.

The Prime Minister said that the nation is immensely proud of our Armed Forces. In that spirit, he added, we should seek to know more about the brave individuals who are serving the nation.

Shri Narendra Modi said that there are several police personnel who have given their lives for our nation, and it is important to know about their sacrifices.

The Prime Minister mentioned the importance of cleanliness. It is our duty to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi's dream of a Swachh Bharat, he said.

The Prime Minister said that this Republic Day was special, because leaders of 10 nations joined us for the celebrations.

***
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacting with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi during the interaction with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tableaux Artists and tribal guests, at Teen Murti Bhawan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram, the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) and Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the Ministers of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat and Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and the DG, NCC, Lt. Gen. B.S. Sahrawat are also seen.

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu interacting with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu interacting with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the artistes who had participated in the 69th Republic Day Parade, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the artistes who had participated in the 69th Republic Day Parade, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the artistes who had participated in the 69th Republic Day Parade, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind with the artistes who had participated in the 69th Republic Day Parade, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018. The Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Shri Jual Oram and the Ministers of State for Tribal Affairs, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat and Shri Jaswantsinh Sumanbhai Bhabhor are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Mr. Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen and the Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh at the India- Cambodia Business Forum, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

The Minister of State for Human Resource Development and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Dr. Satya Pal Singh addressing at the India- Cambodia Business Forum, in New Delhi on January 27, 2018.

By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

ANKARA

Indian embassy in Ankara organized an event to celebrate its country’s 69th Republic Day on Friday.

The reception, held at a hotel, was hosted by Indian Ambassador to Turkey Rahul Kulshreshth.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu meeting the National Service Scheme (NSS) Volunteers who participated in Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) and Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu meeting the National Service Scheme (NSS) Volunteers who participated in Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) and Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu meeting the National Service Scheme (NSS) Volunteers who participated in Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) and Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the National Service Scheme (NSS) Volunteers who participated in Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) and Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the National Service Scheme (NSS) Volunteers who participated in Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) and Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the National Service Scheme (NSS) Volunteers who participated in Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (I/C) and Information & Broadcasting, Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and other dignitaries are also seen.

Prime Minister's Office
28-January, 2018 15:20 IST
PM addresses NCC Rally



The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the NCC rally in New Delhi. He said every young NCC Cadet came to this gathering with his or her own personality and identity. But, he added, that over the course of a month, new friendships would have been forged, and a lot would have been learnt from each other. NCC camps teach every youngster about the different cultures of India, he said. They motivate every youngster to do something good for the nation, he added.


The Prime Minister said that this spirit that has been learnt in NCC camps will remain with the Cadets for life. He said that the National Cadet Corps is not about uniform or uniformity, it is about unity. Through NCC we nurture teams that work in mission mode and inspire others, he added.

The Prime Minister said that the NCC has completed seven glorious decades, and has given a sense of mission to several people. Today we celebrate what we have achieved and also think about how we can make the NCC experience even more effective in the years to come, the Prime Minister said. He urged all stakeholders to think about the plan of action of the next 5 years, when NCC turns 75.

Shri Narendra Modi asserted that the youth of India now refuse to accept corruption. He asserted that the fight against corruption and black money will not stop. He added that this is a fight for the future of India's youth.

The Prime Minister appealed to the Cadets to promote digital transactions through the BHIM App, and to motivate others to join that platform. He said that this a step towards transparency and accountability. Once the youth of India decide something, everything is possible, he added.

The Prime Minister said that earlier, people believed that nothing happens to the rich and powerful. But, he added that things are different today. People who served as Chief Ministers are in jail for their corruption, he asserted.

Speaking on Aadhaar, he said it has added great strength to India's development. What would earlier get into wrong hands is now going to the intended beneficiaries, he added.


***
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre, the three Service Chiefs: Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, General Bipin Rawat & Admiral Sunil Lanba and the DG, NCC, Lt. Gen. B.S. Sahrawat are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The DG, NCC, Lt. Gen. B.S. Sahrawat is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the three Service Chiefs: Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, General Bipin Rawat & Admiral Sunil Lanba and the DG, NCC, Lt. Gen. B.S. Sahrawat are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre the three Service Chiefs: Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, General Bipin Rawat & Admiral Sunil Lanba and the DG, NCC, Lt. Gen. B.S. Sahrawat are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inspecting the Guard of Honour, at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The DG, NCC, Lt. Gen. B.S. Sahrawat is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi presenting the trophy to the winner, at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the NCC Cadets, at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The Union Minister for Defence, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Ramrao Bhamre and the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the NCC Cadets, at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The DG, NCC, Lt. Gen. B.S. Sahrawat is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at the NCC Rally, in New Delhi on January 28, 2018. The DG, NCC, Lt. Gen. B.S. Sahrawat is also seen.