As nation celebrates its 70th Republic Day today, reports of Republic Day celebrations come from different States and Indian missions abroad.

In Maharashtra, the 70th Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm. AIR correspondent reports that Governor C Vidyasagar Rao unfurled the tricolour at the state official function oat Shivaji Park Dadar in Central Mumbai this morning. Addressing the gathering after reviewing impressive parade organised to mark the day, the Governor said that the state is witnessing overall progress in every strata. Prime Minister of Mauritius Mr. Praveen KumarJagnauth was the special guest on the occasion.

In Chhattisgarh, the 70th Republic Day was  celebrated with gaiety and enthusiasm. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the Republic Day parade held in the state capital Raipur.  Various units of BSF, CRPF, ITBP, Chhattisgarh Armed force, Police, NCC, and others took part in the lively march past.  Heavy security arrangements had been made across the State for Republic Day celebrations.

In Rajasthan, Governor Kalyan Singh hoisted the national flag and took the salute  at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in  Jaipur. Various units of State Police, RAC, home guard NCC, and others took part in the lively march past. On the occasion, a head constable was honored with the President’s Police Medal and sixteen police officers and employees with Police Medal for their excellent and commendable services. Heavy security arrangements had been made across the State for Republic Day celebrations.
In Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore hoisted the national flag at Hoshiarpur during the state level function organised on Republic day. He took the salute from the contingents of police, home guards, NCC and others who participated in the march past. Congratulating the people on Republic Day, Governor remembered the sacrifices made by the freedom fighters. Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh hoisted the national flag at Patiala. On Wagah-Attari border in Amritsar district Border Security Force and Pak Rangers exchanged sweets on the occasion of Republic Day.

In Gujarat, Governor of Gujarat O.P. Kohli had unfurled the tricolor in the presence of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.  AIR correspondent reports that governor Shri O.P.Kohli unfurled the tricolor at Palanpur, the headquarters of border district Banaskantha. March past of police, State Reserve Police Force, Home Guards, NCC cadets held on this occasion. Horse show,  dog show and colorful tableau remained the main attraction of this march past.

In Andhra Pradesh, Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States ESL Narasimhan, unfurled the National Flag at Vijayawada today. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu was also present. Speaking on the occasion, Governor said that the economic growth rate of Andhra Pradesh has gone up to 10.52 percent.  He added that the state has won at least 660 International and National Awards in various sectors and this shows the efficient working of the State.

In Jammu and Kashmir the main Republic Day function was held at the University Ground Jammu where Governor Satya Pal Malik hoisted the Tricolour and took salute of the march past. In his address on the occasion, the governor said that Pakistan is continuing to support the terrorism and its misadventures to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir to disrupt peace and harmony. The Governor added that increased number of ceasefire violations along the border has enhanced the hardships and difficulties of  the people living in  the areas close to LoC and IB . He said  that the government has been making all out efforts to mitigate their sufferings.  In Srinagar, Advisor to Governor Khurshid Ahmad Ganai unfurled the national flag and took the salute at the march past at  Sher e Kashmir Cricket Stadium. He also inspected the parade.The march past was presented by contingents of J&K Police, JK Armed Police, Border Security Force, CRPF, ITBP, SSB, Women Police, State Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Services, NCC cadets and student children.

In Assam,  Governor Professor Jagdish Mukhi unfurled the tricolour at Khanapara in Guwahati. In his speech, the Governor said that his government is committed to an error free National Register of Citizens, NRC. He said that the Assam government is working for the overall development of the state. Professor Mukhi added that the ST status is to be given to  6 communities without affecting the present ST communities.
Senior journalist D N Chakrabarty has been given the Republic Day journalism award. Among ministers who unfurled tricolour in various districts  are – Finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma at Morigaon, Handloom Minister Ranjit Dutta at Biswanath, Excise Minister Parimal Suklabaidya at Silchar and Irrigation Minister Bhabesh Kalita at Bongaigaon.
In Nagaland, Governor P B Acharya unfurled the Tri Colour and  took the salute of the parade  held at the Secretariat Plaza in the state capital Kohima. In his address, Governor Acharya saluted the freedom fighters and martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the unity and integrity of our nation. He also highlighted  the achievements and developmental initiatives undertaken by the state government. The Governor called upon the people of Nagaland to come forward and join hands with the Government for all round development. 12 contingents and 3 Bands including 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion from Arunachal Pradesh took part in the march past.

In Manipur, people came out in large numbers  to participate in the Republic Day Celebrations.  The main function was held this morning at the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal. Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla unfurled the tricolor. The Governor also took the salute of the  parade and march-past. Altogether 110 march past contingents including 20 cultural troupes, 18 tableaus and nine bands representing security forces, NCC, government departments, educational institutions and NGOs participated in the Republic Day parade.

In Arunchal Pradesh, Governor Dr. B D Mishra hoisted the national flag and took the salute of the parade  at IG Park in Itanagar. Addressing the people Dr. Mishra said that for the last 69 years the country has faced numerous challenges, and has emerged stronger and reinforced the democratic institutions and values.

In Bihar Governor Lalji Tandon unfurled tricolour at Gandhi maidan in Patna. Addressing the gathering, Mr.Tandon said  the state government has taken a number of steps to double income of farmers. He said 277 blocks of 24 districts had been declared drought prone area. The Governor said input subsidy is being provided to farmers and diesel subsidy has also been
In Madhya Pradesh, the Republic Day was celebrated with patriotic fervor, pomp and gaiety. The national flag was hoisted at several places in the capital city Bhopal and elsewhere in the State today. AIR correspondent reports that  the main function of R-Day was held at Lal Parade Maidan where the Governor Smt Anandi Ben Patel unfurled the national flag and took guard of honour and gave away prizes to Government officials, employees and institutions for their exceptional services. Chief Minister Kamal Nath unfurled the tricolour in Chhindwada district. State Ministers hoisted the national flag at various districts including Jabalpur, Indore, Gwalior and Narsinghpur. In his message, Chief Minister spoke about the steps taken for the progress of the people.

In Haryana, Governor Satyapal Narayan Arya hoisted the national flag at Panchkula at the main Republic Day function. He took salute from the contingents of police , home guards, NCC and other participants of the Republic Day parade.  Addressing the gathering he said that Haryana is progressing fast in every field. He said that the state has made a mark by successfully implementing the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, scheme of Prime Minister. The Earlier this morning Governor paid tribute to the martyrs at Shaheed Samatal in sector 12 of Panchkula.

In Uttar Pradesh, the main Republic Day  function  was held  in front of Vidhan Sabha Bhawan at capital city Lucknow. Governor Ram Naik,Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Hridya Narayan Dexit have greeted the people of state on the occasion. AIR correspondent reports that governor Ram Naik  took the salute of beautifully arranged Republic Day grand  parade in front of Vidhan Bhawan. The parade was led by Lieutenant colonel Rakyansh Yaduvanshi of 16 Jat Regiment. Seventy Tableaux and displays of different departments and institutions giving massages on various issues .

In Karnataka, Governor Vajubhai Vala hoisted the national flag and paid homage to the martyrs in Bengaluru today. In his address the Governor said over eight lakh 94 thousand candidates have registered in the state under the Skill India programme.  The country’s cultural diversity and the state’s achievements in diverse fields were showcased during the  Republic Day celebrations.

In Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lieutenant Governor Admiral D.K Joshi, (Retd.) unfurled the National Flag at Netaji Stadium in Port Blair this morning. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the development initiatives of the Administration. The Lieutenant Governor distributed medals, gallantry awards and commendation certificates. The main attraction of the Republic Day was the march past in which the contingents of Defence Forces, Police, NCC, troops from schools participated.
In Telangana, Governor ESL Narasimhan hoisted the national flag and took the salute of the ceremonial parade held at  Secunderabad this morning. Addressing the people of Telangana the Governor said the state government will implement innovative programmes and schemes in tune with the aspirations of people.
In Tamil Nadu, Governor Banwarilal Purohit unfurled the National flag and inspected the parade at the Marina Beach in Chennai. Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam were also present. Later the Chief Minister  distributed Anna Medals for Gallantry, Gandhi Adigal Police Medals. 47 contingents, including armed forces, coast guard and state police took part in the parade.  Wing Commander Chitwan Arora was the Parade Commander.

Indian missions across the globe also celebrated Republic with great enthusiasm. Several programs have been organised to mark the occasion.

In Sri Lanka, the main function was held at India House in Colombo where High Commissioner Mr Taranjeet Singh Sandhu unfurled the tricolor followed by the singing of the national anthem. A contingent of Border Security Force turned out in their ceremonial dress to stage march past and salute the national flag. The Indian community in Sri Lanka had gathered in large numbers to celebrate the Republic Day with enthusiasm and patriotic fervor.

Later the officials of the Indian High Commission paid floral tribute to the soldiers who had laid down their lives during the Sri Lankan Civil War at the Indian Peace Keeping Force memorial. Similar programmes were organized by Indian consulates in Kandy, Jaffna and Hambantota.

In Nepal, the main Republic Day function was held at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu where Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri unfurled the tri color. AIR correspondent reports that despite rain and cold hundreds of Indian nationals and friends of India enthusiastically participated in the Republic Day celebrations. After hoisting national flag Ambassador Puri read out President’s message.  He honored widows and dependents of fourteen ex servicemen and handed over cheques amounting to 7 crore twenty six lakh rupees. On this occasion, 30 ambulances, 6 buses and books were also gifted to various health facilities and educational institutions of Nepal. The students of Kendriya Vidyalaya and Modern Indian School, artists of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center and Nepal Army band captivated audience with their mesmerizing performance filled with patriotism. In Birgunj, Consul General of India, B.C. Pradhan unfurled the tri-color.

Republic Day celebrations were also held with patriotic fervour in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. AIR correspondent reports that amidst patriotic fervor  Indian Ambassador Navdeep Suri and the Consul General in Dubai led the India expats in celebrating the 70th Republic day in UAE. Ambassador Navdeep Suri said  that in an exceptional gesture of friendship by the UAE government, seven major public building in Abu Dhabi will be lit up with the Indian tricolour tonight. It was Ambassador Ahmad Javed in Riyadh and Consul General Noor Rahman Sheikh in Jeddah who unfurled the tri colour amidst the presence of hundreds of expats from all walks of life. In Qatar , Ambassador P Kumaran hoisted the national flag amidst chanting of Vande Mataram and Bharat Mata ki Jai. In Iraq Ambassador Dr Pradeep Rajpurohit unfurled the national flag and in Kuwait Ambassador K Jeeva Sagar hoisted the tri colour.

In Dubai , the proud children of the Indian High school presented a colourful cultural programme giving a glimpse of the diverse cultural heritage of the country.Various other Indian schools and community organisations in the UAE also marked the occasion with patriotic fervour. Special programme to mark 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi was organized by the Indian High School in Dubai. Messages from the life and times of Gandhi were highlighted to emphasise his relevance in today’s times.