Himachal Pradesh News
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla Hoists Tricolour, Leads 77th Republic Day Celebrations at Shimla’s Historic Ridge
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla hoisted the national flag at the state-level 77th Republic Day celebrations held at the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla on Monday, marking the occasion with patriotic fervour and grandeur.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla hoisted the national flag at the state-level 77th Republic Day celebrations held at the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla on Monday, marking the occasion with patriotic fervour and grandeur.
After unfurling the Tricolour, the Governor inspected the ceremonial parade led by Additional Superintendent of Police, Shimla, Mehar Panwar, and took the salute of the impressive march past commanded by Lieutenant Shashwat Tiwari of 1 J&K. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Lady Governor Janaki Shukla were also present.
The march past featured contingents from the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Punjab Police, Himachal Pradesh Police, Home Guards, Fire Services, Postal Services, Disaster Management teams, ex-servicemen, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), Bharat Scouts and Guides, and several other units, showcasing discipline, unity, and national pride.
On the occasion, the Governor honoured Hritik Chauhan, a resident of Gagana village in Chopal tehsil of Shimla district, with the Uttam Jeevan Raksha Medal for his extraordinary courage in saving two girls from an oncoming train, risking his own life during the rescue.
Colourful tableaux highlighting the developmental achievements and welfare schemes of various government departments emerged as a major attraction of the ceremony, drawing applause from the audience.
Cultural performances added vibrancy to the celebrations. Artists from the North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, presented lively folk dances from Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttarakhand. An impactful street play on the theme ‘Drug-Free Himachal’ was staged by the Eklavya Kala Manch of 1st IRBN Bangarh, Una, spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse, particularly the menace of ‘Chitta’. Local artists from Hamirpur and Shimla also captivated the crowd with their performances.
Several dignitaries attended the event, including Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, MLAs Kuldeep Rathore and Mohan Lal Brakta, Principal Media Advisor Naresh Chauhan, Shimla Mayor Surendra Chauhan, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Director General of Police Ashok Tiwari, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, along with senior officers, ex-servicemen, and citizens from across the state.
The ceremony reflected the spirit of patriotism, cultural diversity, and unity that defines Himachal Pradesh and the nation.
