Amidst the cold weather, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla unfurled the national flag at the state-level Republic Day celebrations at the historic Ridge in Shimla. Following the flag hoisting, the Governor reviewed the parade led by Additional Superintendent of Police Mehar Panwar and witnessed a march past led by Lt. Shashwat Tiwari of 1 J&K Rifles.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, accompanied by his Cabinet colleagues and Lady Governor Janaki Shukla, also attended the event. The parade included units from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal, Punjab Police, Himachal Pradesh Police, and various other organizations, showcasing discipline, unity, and national pride.
During the celebrations, the Governor recognized Ritik Chauhan from Gagana village with the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak for his courageous act of saving lives. The event featured colorful tableaux illustrating developmental initiatives and achievements of different government departments, along with cultural performances that added vibrancy to the program.
The festivities included folk dances from Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttarakhand presented by artists from the North Zone Cultural Centre in Patiala. Additionally, a street play themed ‘Drug-Free Himachal’ was performed by the Eklavya Kala Manch of Himachal Pradesh Police to raise awareness about the harmful effects of drug consumption and smuggling.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, along with other dignitaries and officials, were also in attendance at the celebrations, which attracted people from across the state.
