Shimla: On the 75th Republic Day, Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla unfurled the National Flag at the Ridge, overseeing a notable march past led by Parade Commander Lt. Karan Gogna from 22, Jammu & Kashmir Rifles.
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu joined the event.
Various contingents including Army, Indo-Tibet Border Police, Himachal Pradesh Armed Police, Haryana Police, State Police, Home Guards, Fire Services, and Himachal Pradesh Postal Services, Disaster Management, ex-servicemen, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme Cadets, Bharat Scout and Guide, etc., participated in the march past.
The highlight was the tableaux showcasing development activities from different departments, with the Horticulture Department winning the first prize of Rs. 10,000.
Cultural performances by troupes from Bal Ashram Tuti Kandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Government Senior Secondary School, Rohru added vibrancy to the celebration. North Zone Cultural Center troupes from Haryana also performed, and the police band drew attention.
Governor Shukla awarded winners of the HP Digital-Ignition contest and presented certificates to top-performing hospitals under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
State level awards went to Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda in Kangra, and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Chamba.
The district-level award was given to Mahatma Gandhi Medical Services Complex Khaneri Rampur in Shimla and Prabhudas Clinic and Nursing Home Shimla.
In a symbolic gesture, both the Governor and Chief Minister released balloons with a 'Beti Bachao and Beti Padhao' message.
Similar celebrations occurred at State, District, and Sub-Divisional levels.
Lady Governor Janaki Shukla, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Chairman HPTDC R.S. Bali, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mohan Lal Brakta, Sanjay Awasthy, MLA Harish Janartha, Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, OSD Ritesh Kaprate, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Mayor MC Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, and other senior officials attended the event.
