Thaindian News

Hyderabad, Jan 26 (IANS) Governor N.D. Tiwari led the 60th Republic Day celebrations in Andhra Pradesh, which marked the day with patriotic fervour Monday.The tricolour was unfurled at almost every traffic junction in the state capital and other towns as people took part in the celebrations and patriotic songs were played on the public address system.

The main official function was held at Parade Grounds in Secunderabad amid tight security as Tiwari unfurled the national flag, took the salute and reviewed the colorful parade.

Tiwari called for a united fight against terrorism and stressed the need to nurture and strengthen the foundations of secular democracy. He said the recent terror attacks in Mumbai and Gawahati exposed the evil designs of disruptive elements.

The governor noted that Andhra Pradesh was ahead in tackling the challenge posed by terrorism.

“The state has taken significant steps to combat terrorism, like formation of an elite force like Octopus, commando training for armed police units, and setting up of 2000 CCTVs in Hyderabad,” he said.

The governor also sang a patriotic song after his brief address.

The tableaux by various government departments and agencies highlighted the rich cultural heritage of the state and the developmental schemes undertaken by the government.

As many as 18 contingents of the police, paramilitary and military forces took part in the march-past. The governor gave away awards to some policemen for their meritorious services.

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy also paid tributes to the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Raipalli Vasmhi of Vijayanagaram district received a bravery award for saving lives of five girls. The Class 5 student of Korukonda Sainik School saved the girls from drowning in Nagavali river in Srikakulam district.

The day was also celebrated with enthusiasm at other places. State Legislative Assembly Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy and Legislative Council Chairman Chakrapani led the celebrations at the state legislature.

State Congress president D. Srinivas hoisted the tricolor at Gandhi Bhavan, the headquarters of the ruling party, in the capital city.

Leader of Opposition and Telugu Desam Party president N. Chandrababu Naidu unfurled the national flag in Srikakulam district.

There were also celebrations at NTR Trust Bhavan, the TDP headquarters here. Leaders of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, Praja Rajyam Party, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Nava Telangana Party and Lok Satta also hoisted the national flag at their party offices.

State ministers and district collectors led the celebrations at district headquarters. A large number of school children participated in the cultural programmes organised to mark the day in all 23 districts.