Himachal celebrates 70th Republic Day despite winter chill

The 70th Republic Day was celebrated across Himachal Pradesh on Saturday despite the winter chill. Governor Acharya Devvrat unfurled the national flag at a ceremonial function at the historic Ridge here. Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, his Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries were present. The main attraction was a tableau that depicted visits of Mahatma Gandhi to Shimla.

Tribal artistes were among the performing troupes. Cultural programmes were also staged by school children. The Governor took the salute at a parade by contingents of police, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Home Guards, the Army, National Cadet Corps and ex-servicemen.

Assembly Speaker Rajeev Bindal presided over the district-level function in Hamirpur town. Chief Justice Surya Kant hoisted the tricolour at the Himachal Pradesh High Court here. The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), headquartered in Dharamsala town, also organised a ceremony at the Kashag (Tibetan cabinet) Secretariat. As CTA President Lobsang Sangay was on an official visit to Japan, officiating President Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang hoisted the Indian flag.