Bangalore, Jan 26 (Inditop.com) Pomp and pageantry and bright sunshine marked the 61st Republic Day celebrations Tuesday in India’s tech hub amid tight security.
Karnataka Governor H.R. Bhardwaj unfurled the tricolour at the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw parade ground in the heart of the city and inspected the guard of honour, standing in a moving open jeep, as about 10,000 people, including VIPs and dignitaries, witnessed the two-hour long festival.
After delivering the R-Day address, the governor took the salute at a march past conducted by battalions of the armed forces, Border Security Force, State Reserve Police, City Armed Reserve and Home Guards.
The battalions were followed by contingents of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) representing the army, navy and air wing, boys and girls of Bharat Scouts and Guides, excise, civil defence, traffic and music bands of the three services, the police band and school children.
The popular patriotic song – “Saare Jahaan Se Accha Hindustan Hamaara” – rendered by the music bands in unison was hailed with thunderous applause and cheers by hundreds of children from around the parade ground.
After the ceremonial parade, about 2,600 boys and girls from various schools across the city participated in cultural programmes, including national and state songs, dances and music to mark the day.
The event passed off peacefully with about 1,000 police personnel maintaining vigil in and around the parade ground.
Three platoons each of the Rapid Response Team and the City Armed Reserve were stationed at the venue to ensure safety.
The city police also installed 16 closed circuit television cameras in and around the venue for surveillance and security of VIPs, dignitaries and the people.
Visitors were banned from carrying handbags, cameras, mobile phones and umbrellas inside the venue for security reasons.
