Patriotic fervour marks 69th R-Day fests in Maharashtra

Maharashtra celebrated the 69th Republic Day with a dash of colour and lots of patriotic fervour with Governor C.V. Rao unfurling the tricolour at the main official function and taking the salute at a ceremonial parade held at the historic Shivaji Park here on Friday.

Present on the occasion were a host of dignitaries, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Assembly Speaker Haribhau Bagde, Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, former Lok Sabha speaker and senior Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi, members of the judiciary, the armed forces, police, representatives of the diplomatic corps stationed in Mumbai and prominent citizens.

Besides the state capital, major functions were held in Nagpur, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, various district headquarters, establishments of the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force in different parts of the state.

Millions of people from different sections of society, including school and college students, women and senior citizens joined enthusiastically at the festivities in various public, government, social, private and society events organised across the state.

In Mumbai, the much-awaited colourful parade saw a lively march-past by disciplined units of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Central Industrial Security Force, State Reserve Police Force, BMC Armed Police Force, Anti Riot Police, BMC Women Police, Mumbai Railway Police, Home Guards, Traffic Police, Mumbai Fire Brigade, National Service Scheme, Sea Cadets, Scouts and Guide and others.

This was followed by topical and well-designed floats highlighting various achievements and current topics, cultural presentations, showcasing different aspects of the state put up by various government departments, which were cheered by the assembled crowds.

The tableaux included those of the Indian Navy, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), Mumbai Metro, Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA), Jalayukta Shivar Abhiyan, Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), Social Justice Department and Magnetic Maharashtra.

Besides, representatives of several political parties including the main Opposition parties like Congress and Nationalist Congress Party in Mumbai and Maharashtra organised R-Day celebrations at their respective party headquarters.

The three major Indian Railways headquarters in Mumbai also organised celebrations for the railway staffers.

Konkan Railway CMD Sanjay Gupta, Central Railway General Manager D.K. Sharma and Western Railway General Manager A.K. Gupta led the celebrations at their respective head offices with many staffers taking part.

State and Central government offices and departments, undertakings, schools, colleges, universities, housing complexes and social organisations organised their own flag hoisting events across the state.

Following old customs, major buildings and landmarks in the city like the Mantralaya, the WR, CR and KR headquarters and other prominent places were colourfully illuminated in the national colours since Thursday night for the Republic Day, amid tight security in the city and all districts.

--IANS

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