Patriotic fervour marks R-Day in Andhra

Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan led the celebrations by unfurling the national flag at the main ceremony at the Secunderabad Parade Grounds here.

He took the salute and reviewed a colourful parade by contingents of the Indian Air Force, defence establishments, police, Home Guards and NCC.

Tableaux by government departments highlighted the development and welfare schemes in the state.

Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha, Speaker N. Manohar and ministers and officials attended the function.

At Gandhi Bhavan, headquarters of Congress party, the national tricolour was unfurled by state party chief Botsa Satyanarayana.

The day was also celebrated at NTR Trust Bhavan, headquarters of the Telugu Desam Party.

BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu hoisted the tricolour at the party office.

The Republic Day celebrations were also held at the offices of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), YSR Congress Party and Communist parties.

Patriotic fervour marked the celebration in all 23 districts. The national flag was unfurled on all government buildings and schools while people paid tributes to freedom fighters and martyrs.