Other States - Rajasthan   

People enthusiastic over new parade route

Special Correspondent

Marching contingents wind their way through the roads of the Pink City

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Governor Pratibha Patil on Thursday called upon the people to join hands with the State Government and participate actively for prosperity, happiness and bright future of the desert State. Ms. Patil, in her message on the 57th Republic Day, affirmed that the principles of democracy, secularism and social harmony would always remain important for the Government.

The Republic Day was celebrated all over the State with gaiety and enthusiasm. The main function was organised at Sawai Man Singh Stadium here, where the Governor unfurled the national tricolour and took salute of an impressive march-past. The Republic Day parade went out of the stadium for the first time and wound its way through the roads of the Pink City.

Ms. Patil honoured 21 officials of the State Government with merit certificates, cash prizes, citations and Jeevan Raksha Medals on the occasion. Prizes were also awarded to the best voluntary organisations. Nearly 200 students, attired in colourful dresses, presented folk dances on the tunes of Kalbelia, Garasia and Terah Tali folk songs.

Among others, Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Chief Secretary Anil Vaish, Director General of Police A.S. Gill, and other senior officials and dignitaries attended the function.

Ms. Raje, in her message marking the Republic Day, said the State Government was committed to eradicating poverty, empowering women and enhancing infrastructure and was making concerted efforts to deal with drought. The Republic Day parade from Amar Jawan Jyoti -- outside the S.M.S. Stadium -- to the historic Albert Hall was the centre of attraction for the people of Jaipur for over two hours. Soldiers marched with perfect steps to the patriotic tunes of bands accompanying them, bringing the valour of the desert State live on ground. Schoolchildren welcomed the parade with a huge applause at the circles on the way. The parade included the troops of Rajasthan Armed Constabulary, Rajasthan police, Home Guards, National Cadet Corps, scouts and horse riders of police, while the bands were from the RAC, police and Maharani Gayatri Devi Public School.

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